Go Tyler from Ohio! (12/03)

So I have a few favorite “burgers” in Cleveland, who doesn’t? Some of them are tiny and (more) healthy and some topped with a fried egg and cheese and dripping with greasy goodness (Royal Red Robin Burger) just depends on my mood as to what I’ll order.

Word on the street has it that we North East Ohioans' are represented in this years Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, 4th Annual KIDS COOK OFF! Tyler from Mentor, Ohio has been selected as ONE of TEN finalists (11,00 entered!) to develop his own perfect burger creation.

Ten year old Tyler will compete with nine other kids from around the country on December 3rd in Denver Colorado. During the championship, the finalists will make their gourmet burgers for a panel of judges including Robin Miller, host of the Food Network’s “Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller.” The winning gourmet burger will be sold in Red Robin restaurants in summer 2010 and featured in a kids’ cookbook available online.



To make sure Mentor brings home the WIN, VOTE for the online fan win by clicking here! Or cheer on Tyler during the competition which will be streamed live online at www.redrobin.com/kidscookoff on Thursday, Dec. 3, starting at 10:30 and see the grand-prize winner named in real time.

Go Tyler! Make us proud! (and if you win...will you make me an "Awesome Cordon Blue Burger?")

Give back

You are blessed.

Anyone who has time to squeeze in a blog read or two is blessed.

You have health. You have family & friends. And most likely each evening your heat is turned up to a toasty 68 degrees.

Every holiday season, it gets me thinking how lucky and blessed I am and how I could help those who aren't so lucky.

Have you ever worked at a soup kitchen? It really opens your eyes to how blessed you are. It awakens the compassionate soul and teaches you the idea of being so truly humble and grateful.




If you have always wanted to try to volunteer at a soup kitchen here are a few things you should consider....

1. Find out which soup kitchens are located in your area. Do a search online, look in the phone book, call information or ask your city or town clerk.

Some of the larger Cleveland area soup kitchens that need are....
> Zion Soup Kitchen (call 216.861.2371)
> St Malachi Center (call 216.771.3036)
> Trinity Cathedral (call 216.774.0425)
> Cleveland Catholic Charities (call 216.334.2961)

2. Contact a local soup kitchen and tell them you'd like to help.

3. Organize a group of people from your circle of friends, your neighborhood, work, your church or synagogue who are willing to volunteer on Thanksgiving.

4. Understand that the soup kitchen needs lots of help in other areas besides food service. Offer to pick up donations, do an inventory on them and store them away. You might also set up tables, prepare the food and help clean up after the meal is through.

5. Include your children in your efforts. This is a great way to teach them the importance of community service.

6. Consider making this a tradition in your family every year. Counting your blessings and helping people in need is a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving.


If you have other volunteer options or ideas please make a comment.

Pumpkins for Joe at the Zoo!

Thankful for the weekend!

I’m THANKFUL it’s the weekend. The weekend before the “Week of Thanks”... So many things to get done before December madness strikes!




Here is what I am planning to do...hope I can squeeze it all in.

Friday.
> Read a new Zine at Bella Dubby
> Eat some Ice Cream to celebrate the END of Tap! :)
> Listen to some great local tunes at made in the 216
> Party like a rock star.

Saturday
> Groom my little pup (shown at Thanksgiving in DC a few years ago)
> Fall in love with a Vampire..or a werewolf.
> Begin my holiday shopping list...(buying locally thanks to the reminder from Chef’s Widow!)
> Stop by the last farmers market of the season...or see the tree lighting?

Sunday
> Brush up on my manners (there are still a few spots left, call 440.247.2550 to sign up!)
> Explore the gardens & gingerbread creations
> FREE HENNA (with any cosmetic purchase) at Dillards in Beachwood...I am thinking a pumpkin, turkey and fall leaves for the Thanksgiving week?

Tour. Hockey. Skate. (11/20)

Friday, November 20th, 2009

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



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

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

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

Food deals!

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

Miss Manners (11/22)

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

Why will you stay? (11/18)

To rsvp for this exciting high-energy event, visit iwsicleveland.blogspot.com

Jump Back Pre-Sale (11/19)

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

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

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



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

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

Kickoff party pricing: $100-$120

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

Get Linked (11/23)

Mr. Bierut (11/13)

Friday, November 13th, 2009

You won't want to miss this one,. I've heard Mr. Bierut speak numerous times, and each time he sheds a bit more light to my industry, my passion and my excitement for the design world around us.

The Cleveland Institute of Art presents a rare opportunity for professionals to network and hear Michael Bierut, partner in the leading international design firm Pentagram, talk about how great design can transform a business that is merely surviving into one that is thriving.



Register now for this special event happening after work on Friday, November 13, in CIA’s Aitken Auditorium and Reinberger Galleries. Before and after Mr. Bierut’s presentation, mingle over wine and cheese and enjoy two traveling exhibitions of outstanding design in our Galleries: “17 Swedish Designers” and “AIGA 365.”

4:30 - 6:30pm $20. To register www.cia.edu/bierut

E. Sharpe & M. Zeros (11/12)

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

So I hear this bizarre band one night on David Letterman...then a few weeks later their song "Home" appeared in the middle of "my" show, Gossip Girl...Looks like Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros are invading...and their coming to Kent State Folk Festival this week!



The Beachland Ballroom is cohosting this show along with Kent and this is what they said...

"This band features Alex Ebert, formerly of dance band Ima Robot, as "Edward Sharpe," who leads a pack of Los Angeles heads and hippies into acoustic pop territory. Yes, these dudes and dudettes are rolling with a stoned and bearded zeitgeist that to Cleveland-bred listeners, sound kinda like Mikey Machine fronting the Dreadful Yawns. The rest of you might think it's all a very Polyphonic Spree/Flaming Lips-style bowl of musical cherries, but one can't deny Sharpe's way with a hook. This feel-good fest also features Family of the Year, and the darkened musical visage of Clevelanders Unsparing Sea."

Tickets are only $12 and are going fast, to buy tickets visit kentstage.org/index.html

Shopping with Sotka

So, I have this little blue picnic basket that I bought as a very fun barn sale...I use it to collect little gifts throughout the year for the holidays and that way I know where everything is when December rolls around.

Anyways, I was excited to see that Mitchell Sotka has planned an array of artist evenings that feature area artisans...and most of the little gifts for sale would fit nicely inside my picnic basket.

See the schedule of the next few Thursday evening shopping events...if you are looking for something new and unique, put these shopping dates on your calendar...plus there will even be wine!

Nov. 12 - Lee St. Marie (Stylish Hats)
Nov. 19 - Gai Russo
Dec. 10 - red i jewelry
Dec. 17 - Don David Designs
Dec. 24 - Holiday Ornaments 50% OFF

Mitchell Sotka, Ltd. is located at 19071 Old Detroit Road in Rocky River. For more information please contact us at 440.333.1735 or mitchell@mitchellsotka.com.

Auction Time (11/14)

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Looking for a new-old rugs, a sweet lucite coffee table, a string of pearls for the holidays or a new painting for your dining room? This weekend is the big Grays Auctioneers Fine Arts, Antiques & Decorations Auction. The Auction starts at 1pm but you are more than welcome to stop by Thursday and Friday in the afternoon for a preview.



Gray's Auctioneers is one of the largest Fine Art & Antiques Auction Houses in Cleveland and the surrounding Northeast Ohio region. Thinking of flying south for the winter? They also have an office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

For the complete auction catalogue visit www.graysauctioneers.com

Prom anyone? (11/07)

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

The following is the official invite from Spaces gallery to this Saturday Night prom...it is so cleverly said, that I'll let it speak for itself!

"Grab a date (or two), break out the boutonnieres, and call up your clique. For those who didn’t get asked, had too much “punch,” got kicked out for cross-dressing, or wore the wrong dress, here is your mulligan for the enchanted evening you were promised in high-school. Join us for our annual benefit party, Erie Prom: Enchantment Under the Lake. The big bash/splash will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at SPACES. This night to remember begins with a VIP party and ends with a gallery chock full of great art for sale, games, campy photo opps (complete with the trellis), and dancing (without chaperones).



Paying homage to our Great Lake Erie, we claim the grand theme with a new twist. Remember: This is your do-over—YOUR prom. Creativity, outsiders and weirdness are not only condoned, but encouraged! Wear what you really wanted to wear the first time around, or come decked out in Lake Erie-inspired duds. Whether you feel pretty in pink, dapper in a tux or you want to flex those Zebra Mussels, this is your all-access hall-pass to one of Cleveland’s wildest parties of the year. Proceeds from the event make SPACES’ programming and operations possible."

For tickets visit www.spacesgallery.org

Browns Rule!

November 19th through December 13th, 2009

Cleveland Public Theatre is proud to present Browns Rules by Eric Schmiedl Directed by Bill Hoffman Original songs written and composed by Hoffman and Schmiedl

Don't miss the world-premiere of this cabaret style musical by nationally recognized local playwright Eric Schmiedl. Browns Rules is both a send-up and a love-letter to The Cleveland Browns. Three performer musicians and the audience are on a mission - successfully name the 29 rules of being a Cleveland Browns Fan and the Browns will win the Superbowl in 2010.



Part vaudeville, part sideshow, part variety show Browns Rules is an interactive exploration of the relationship between Cleveland and our beloved football team. With a rock band on stage, three performers combine storytelling and drama as they rip apart myths, celebrate heroes, and try to understand what makes the Cleveland Browns so important to our culture. What was the All-America Football Conference and who destroyed it? How did Paul Brown inspire his famous 1949 all-star team? Art Modell, friend or foe? Who called "Red Right 88?" Who wrote the song "Bernie, Bernie?" Cleveland Browns Stadium, asset or financial disaster? These questions and more are examined as Browns Rules looks at our dear Brownies and the city that loves and hates them.

Showtimes: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00pm
Monday, November 30 at 7:00pm (Tickets only $10!)
Sunday, December 13 at 3:00pm (Browns have a bye week!)

Tickets: $30 Reserved Seating at Cabaret Table (includes corkage, reserved seats and tableside bar service during the show) | $24 General Admission | $22 Online Advance Purchase | $2 Discount for Students and Seniors | Special Thursday night pricing: $10 General Admission, $16 Cabaret Table Seating

Design night (11/06)

Friday, November 6th, 2009

One gallery, three exhibits, five outstanding panelists adds up to a Blockbuster Night at The Cleveland Institute of Art. Be one of the first to see national and international exhibits and hear from an international panel on the forces that drive modern design.

All exhibits are free and open to the public and will be held in CIA’s Gund Building. For more information check this out.

Roller Girls (11/07)

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

Last night as I was on my third rep of shoulder presses at my neighborhood gym in walks this sprite of a woman. Covered from head to toe in vibrant colors, her coat covered in a mass of ornate patches, her hair pulled up under a cap she floated through the field of sweaty gym rats to discreetly distribute the little postcards.

As I completed my last rep, I swiftly made my way to the card stuck into the bulletin board...

It read “THIS Saturday, November 7th, CSU, Wolstein Center, Roller Derby, Black & Blue : WHIP IT GOOD! Team Black vs. Team Blue, going head to head for charity, Doors open at 5pm”



All I kept thinking was, “I’m so there.” Thanks little roller girl “sprite” You rock!

For more information visit burningriverrollergirls

Eat. Deal. Drink?

If you didn't get the memo...

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

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

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



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

Startup Weekend (11/20-22)

Friday November 20th through Sunday November 22nd, 2009

Have a new business idea? Looking to make a "go" of it? Check this out!

"Startup Weekend" Cleveland is a 54 hour event to help launch a tech company. The goal of the weekend is to allow people with ideas for technology companies to meet up with a team of developers and business people to produce a business plan with a working prototype of the idea by 6:00pm Sunday.



Personally, I think this event is one of the coolest ideas I have seen in a while as the event is ALL ACTION, no talk. The winning team, (as voted on by people all over the country,) is awarded a $5,000 cash prize provided by Microsoft and a free space to start the business. The event will take place at the Idea Center in Downtown Cleveland.

For more information on the schedule, please visit cleveland.startupweekend the event is sure to sell out, so register today!

Bakery Breakfast

With the time change and the bright morning skies, I feel like I have all the time in the world before my work day begins. Yesterday I took my little pup for a long walk to the Lake, while this morning I made a pit stop at the new bakery, Blackbird Baking Company. With the brisk temps outside there is something so comforting in a warm cup of coffee and something sweet and yummy for breakfast.

This morning I was lucky enough to arrive as they were pulling the Pumpkin Pecan (seasonal flavor) Cookies from the oven. The soft, chewy and sugar-coated treat reminded me of a cross between a moist pumpkin pie and my moms banana bread.



If you miss this cookie flavor some of the other goodies include Cranberry Oat Cookies ("oat," it MUST be healthy?), my friend Elizabeth really likes the Sweet Cream Biscuits, Cleveland Magazine voted the Stick Buns the "Best" and the french baguettes make every sandwich or bowl of fall soup better.

If you can carve out an extra 15 minutes, swing by the new Blackbird Baking Co. for your fall carb. fix! Located in Lakewood before you cross the Detroit Ave bridge to "River."

After Art Hours (11/13)

Friday, November 13th, 2009

The Cleveland Museum of Art celebrates the Cleveland Institute of Art exhibition CIA Students: Cleveland, 2009, at CMA with a very special after-hours event, featuring art, refreshments, a cash bar, and live performances by Marina Rosenfeld's Sheer Frost Orchestra and Eats Tapes. Tickets $10.

Money, Drawings & Bells (11/05)

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Looking for some new music this week? Check out the following trio that will be performing this Thursday at Front Room Gallery

Helen Money is Alison Chesley, from Chicago. She played the Parish Hallin 2007. Her new album, "In Tune," is out now on Table of the Elements, and contains 9 tracks of dense and dark looped cello, including an instrumental cover of the Minutemen's "Political Song for Michael Jackson to Sing."



Technical Drawings (Pittsburgh) is a duo comprised of Melissa St. Pierre (prepared piano) and Jesse Stiles (real-time drum algorithms, electronics, DSP). St. Pierre and Stiles’ performances and recordings embody a diverse set of influences including neoclassicism, rock, gamelan, and electronica.

Like Bells is an instrumental drums, guitar, and violin trio from Oberlin who have a full-length LP out on Cleveland's Exit Stencil Recordings.

The show will kick at The Front Room Gallery at 9pm, $5 cover and BYOB

216 Holiday Shoppe (11/06)

Friday, November 6th, 2009

This Friday the cute little Cleveland-born "sister" of Room Service will open, don't miss out. The new store, expected to be open the entire month of November, (maybe longer if we are lucky?) is called The "216 Holiday Shoppe."



Located next door to the new Capitol Theatre (at 1390 W. 65th St.) the Holiday Shoppe will be open most days 5 to 9pm (Saturday 11-9pm and Sunday 12-7pm) and Fridays complete with performance from local musicians. With over 50 designers you are sure to find your holiday gifts for every loved one.



Yesterday I had the privilege of lending a hand to my friend Danielle (owner of Room Service, creative thinker & all around sassy lady) in anticipation of the opening excitement. Although I can't reveal the cool art and interesting visual space design, if you squint your eyes a bit, you may be able to make out these blurred images of cool products (home goods, art. tee shirts (lots of tee shirts!), jewelry, accessories, and more, I can't list everything).

Looking forward to seeing everyone Friday night at the opening of The "216 Holiday Shoppe." For more details and information visit the blog at Room Service Home.