Calling All Browns Fans

a shout out from Cleveland Sports Blog by Terry Pluto

"Dear Browns Fans: In conjunction with The Plain Dealer and Gray Publishing, I'm writing a book with the working title of What I've Learned From Watching the Browns.


I need your input. Here are some of the topics:

- The scars from the move.
- Why fans love Bernie Kosar.
- Why I keep watching this mess.
- What NFL draft day means to me.
- My BEST/WORST day at Browns stadium was…
- What the Browns mean to my family.
- Favorite Browns: Jim Brown, Brian Sipe, Sam Rutigliano, Joshua Cribbs, Brian Brennan, etc.
- Meeting Browns players.
- To make the team better, I wish the Browns would....
- Anything else that comes to mind.

If you'd like your email to be considered for the book, please send me your FULL name and HOME town. Keep the emails SHORT. NO profanity. If your email is chosen, you will get a free signed copy of the book."

Please email your thoughts to brownsbook@yahoo.com

Pink Martini, the music (03/30)

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

If you haven't got your tickets to Tuesdays "Pink Martini" show than you may be out of luck.

The “little orchestra” from Portland, Oregon will be partnering with the Cleveland Orchestra Tuesday night and I belive it's a sold out show. You'll have to check on Craigs List perhaps?



If you've never heard of "Pink," they are simply magnifique. A sweet blend of Japanese pop, Italian film scores, and French cabaret. They have put out numerous albumns, each of them is as sweet as a little upcake. Can't wait!

Dante "tastes"

I keep meaning on posting just a little something about the new Tremont restaurant; Dante. I went there on a really cold winter snowy night, I could barely walk through the snow and on the ice in my super high healed boots.

The place was hopping but we scored a seat at the bar. I think the Cavs game was on so that was an ultra bonus. Anyways, I just wanted to mention that I really liked the way they offered "tastes" as a portion of many of their menu items. Think bigger than a tapa but smaller than an appetizer. I keep meaning to go back for another dish of the amazing beef carppacio, but this time I want my own. :)



If you are planning your weekend and haven't checked out Dante, perhaps it's time?

welcome back Z!!!

Welcome back Z, we missed you! :)

Photo credit: Cavs.com

Food & FIlm Fest

So here we are, in the midst of this years Cleveland Film Festival...

Over the weekend I had the privilege of screening five fantastic films; from “Ingredients” to “A Matter of Size.”

While the festival committee requests of the viewers that all cell phones, audible watches and even pagers (do people still carry pagers?) be turned off during the film...what about growling stomachs?

Yes, this past Sunday as I sat and enjoyed the afternoon film, my stomach let out a loud, whining growl, and man was it long. Was I hungry? Did the walk through the “food” court of Tower City entice me? I think not. Had I not stuffed enough sweets into my pocket to satisfy my afternoon hunger? I had no idea why my belly was making such a scene.

Then I thought about it, although there is the “food” court and the traditional movie supplies (popcorn, twizzlers, m&m’s, etc) you often see film goers darting from theatre to theater with a small cooler in tow...what did they know that I didn’t? Even if you don’t think you will get hungry, YOU WILL! Watching movies is a hard sport and one that needs to be fueled strategically.



So, with that said, here are a few ideas for you to munch on as you plan your trip to the film fest this year....

Wine & Chocolate for those late night films...stop in at Lilly’s in Tremont to pack your purse with a “juice box” sized servings of vino and pair it with the perfect truffle for you and your movie sweetie. A big step up from diet coke and snowcaps.

Lunch on the go...put your emergency flashers on and run into Nate's Deli (on W 25th, near the Market) for a hummus or shawarma rolled pita sandwich ($3-$5). Both sandwiches could be devoured during a film if you quietly roll down the paper and offer your neighbor a bite. Otherwise schedule a few extra minutes prior to the film and have a Tower City “Nates” fountain picnic in order to have that extra energy to wait in the stand by aisle

Taking a break between films...there are many places close by that you can escape the crowds of tower city and enjoy a quick food fix. If you want to stroll around Tremont to stretch your legs, stop by Dish Deli for the lemon scented tuna salad and daily veggie special. Thinking you’ll meet your friends for the next movie for a drink or a bite first? Flying fig and Momocho both have great happy hours, check them out. Need to run home to let your dog out between movies? How about a smoothie from Liquid Planet? If you want to take a break, but aren’t looking to loose your parking space...when is the last time you’ve enjoyed the bar at the Hard Rock Café or sipped a manhattan at Mortons? Check it out!

Speaking of food...I’m hungry; for more films and for some good food. Happy Film Fest, happy eating to you!

She & Him in Cleveland!!!

This tour is selling out in every city from LA to Paris, I was sweetly surprised when She & Him, a duo comprised of Zooey Deschanel and Matt Ward announced last week that they would stop in Cleveland.

I LOVE Zooey, last summer I even cut my bangs using her likeness as reference. Her quirky style, her charming smirk and her sassy sense of style, what's not to love?



Get your tickets today, they re SURE to sell out. Performing at the House of Blues June 10th, tickets start at $22.

Happy Minty Day

FREE HALLMARK Card

When is the last time you perused the aisles at your neighborhood Hallmark store? I know, we live in an American Greetings town and I'm all about supporting local...But every now and then the "gold crown" calls out to me like a mosquito to blue light and I am sucked into card utopia.

The other morning as I was getting ready for work I heard the little ditty, "BE-OK" by Ingrid Michaelson streaming from the tube. I took a quick break from brushing my teeth to see what the commercial was for, low and behold, a FREE HALLMARK CARD. Not just any card, a card to celebrate your kid or your best friend. :)



These cards are available from now until April 4th, so find your store and stop on by. Wouldn't it be so fun to get one of these in your lunch box?

Cleveland Spynga

Do you like to sweat and cycle? Are you a yogi who enjoys a great stretch? There is a new studio in Coventry called Buddhaful Spin which incorporates both spinnng and yoga...it looks incredible.



I haven't personally been over to the studio yet, although it is on my to-do list. As an avid spinner and yoga lover, I am excited there is this new resource in Northeast Ohio. Explore their website, take a class, spin and stretch....Oooooommmmm.

Celebrate Maple Syrup & Pancakes (03.13-21)

Saturday, March 13th - 20th, 2010

Celebrate the "pancake capitol of the world" with the arrival of springtime and maple sap = SYRUP!

Drive around and enjoy the 2010 March Maple Madness "Drive it Yourself" Tour. For the details of the driving tour click here.



For the details on the pancake feast click here.

AI Root.

The other day I had an opportunity to travel down to Medina for a women's business luncheon. The lunch was to be hosted by A.I. Root, the famous Ohio candle makers.

Knowing me I had expected to end up leaving the meeting with a few “Root” candles in hand (chocolate, hosta & spiced ginger to be specific) but I never expected to find the most amazing gift shop ever. Anything and everything you can imagine from unique pillows, frames and candle holders (duh?) to a darling childrens shop, cook books (they offer cooking classes occasionally), purses and adorable little home accents. Let’s just say it was more than I had expected. Tres chic.



If you ever are looking for that perfect “afternoon drive,” drive down to sunny Medina where the folks at A.I. Root will WOW you with their special gifts for everyone. (they even have Ohio State stuff for your guy friends.)

This Thursday evening March 11th, Root Candles at West liberty (623 West Liberty Street, Medina) is hosting a Ladies Night Spring Sale Preview Party. Special savings on candles and other giftables. Light refreshments and drinks to be served.

grey cardigan celebrates spring weddings (03/12)

Friday, March 12th, 2010



Celebrate Spring. Celebrate Love. Celebrate Engagements, Showers and Weddings.

This Friday, celebrate the unveiling of the new Grey Cardigan "Something Borrowed, Something Grey" print collection by artist Brian Jasinski. His work is refreshing, youthful and sassy with a sense of humor twist.

Anyone getting married in your life? These pieces would make a delightful gift for any of the many wedding infused occasions. No standard Bed Bath & Beyond Prints for the newlyweds pad...only the best will do. :)

See you there!

Tremont Art Walk (3/12)

Friday, March 12th, 2010

This Friday is the monthly Tremont Art Walk. All of the cool boutiques, gallery's, culinary shops and sweet eats stay open later than usual to celebrate the neighborhood and this week...the coming of spring.

One of this weeks highlights to the Art Walk would be the special tasting at Lilly's Handmade Chocolates.



From 12pm-10pm they will be hosting a tasting featuring Mad Dogs & Englishmen ($3.50 per taste paired with a truffle), a Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Monastrell blend and Pinkus Organic Hefe-Weizen ($2.50 per taste paired with a truffle), a crisp, light beer.

I know where I want to kick off my walk...where will you start yours?

Ohio City Pasta Review #2

So, If you remember back in January I set some goals or pseudo resolutions for myself as a resident of Northeast Ohio. I planned to see the Symphony, take a tour of the Mansfield State Penitentiary and taste test every flavor of Ohio City Pasta known to man. I’m making baby steps and checking things off my list...

The other evening I made the best dinner, Pumpkin Ravioli courtesy of Ohio City Pasta. I browned some butter (I didn’t say it was low fat.) tossed in some walnuts added the boiled Pumpkin Ravioli and topped the dish off with chopped granny smith apples and a shaving of Parmesan cheese. The dish was decadent and perfect for a chilly winter evening.



Hmmm...wonder what flavor will be next? I’m thinking the goat cheese, but with the onset of spring perhaps an asparagus, lobster or crab might sway my decision.

(I never posted about it officially but in February I whipped up the ratatouille raviolis with a red sauce and grilled chicken, Cest Manifique!)

old OHIO license plate

I like these old license plates. Clean. Simple. Straight to the point.
(no rolling hills, farms, city skylines, etc.)

Shopping @ NEXT

Hello and happy Monday Cleveland!

Last week was a whirlwind of fun and activity around town. Were you able to get to TEDX CLE last friday? If not, make sure to keep your eye out for next years event. Super inspiring and exciting happenings all around the CLE>

Also pretty fun... a few weeks ago I was invited to be part of an after work shopping spree courtesy of the store NEXT located in Beachwood Place. When I was originally invited, I thought to myself...the hip hop urban store that i usually stroll past as I escape Nordstrom's on a perfume sample high? Yep...that be the one.


(sneakers, Allison & pal)

Last tuesday night a bunch of us gathered to spend our loot on many unexpected finds...WAY more than graffiti tees...now I know. From fancy party dresses, to sleek sandals, studded bracelets to chic leather coats, scarves and sorbet colored sneakers...there really is more to NEXT than I ever knew.


(studs, Amelia & Michelle)

The sales staff was incredibly helpful. They knew what piece would flatter what figure. What ran small and what was a great buy for your dollar. Just returning from a big women's fashion buying trip, they spilled the beans that florals are going to be the "IT" thing this spring. The staff couldn't have been more accommodating to those of us who had never shopped their before.


(watches & Alexa)

I was thrilled when I scored a new fluorescent green G-Shock watch as well as two really great tops. Seriously cleveland ladies & gents...next time you are in the mood for some true boutique shopping, don't forget NEXT...it really impressed me.


(girls of NEXT & my new watch)