A LOBSTER of a deal

I couldn't resist but to share this deal I just ran into! Steak AND LOBSTER (my ultra favorite treat), perfect for anyone on the low carb kick.



I actually really love the bar at Don's Lighthouse, it's dark and cozy and feels like my grandparents house in Connecticut, homey. PLUS, they have some great deals... Check it out!!!

Friday fun!

Hello Friday! Oh how I’ve missed you since last Friday. :) It’s been too too long.

I have so many things on this weekends schedule and can’t wait to share some of my ideas with each of you! I think the onset of cooler temps and back to school has made me yearn to switch over my closet from bright & cheery summer to warm & cozy fall...but as all Clevelanders know....we MUST resist until at least mid-September. So while I wait....how about what is fun going on in our fearless city this weekend?

> Feel like taking a drive? In love with Max and the rest of the Where the Wild Things cast? Drive to downtown Kent as they show the movie on an outdoor screen...starts at dusk, should be fun for all! FREE

> There are LOTS of bike rides this weekend. Feel like hanging with a bunch of graphic designers? Head to the towpath this Saturday for AIGA’s ride. Feel like filling your belly with warm grilled cheese? Don’t miss out on Melt’s first fundraising ride this Sunday. If farms & barns are your thing visit the picturesque Cuyahoga Valley National Park this Sunday!

> I saw the first slightly disturbing movie, The Girl with the Dragon tattoo...but sorta like a car wreck where you can’t look away, I am very intrigued to see the second part film in the three part series. The Girl Who Played With Fire, showing at Cedar Lee.

> Get your last few wears of those summer sundresses, and if you are looking for a few extra summer something's, stop by Room Service for their 60% off summer apparel sale!

On a side note, I can’t tell you how much I LOVE living in Lakewood and would like to thank Travel + Leisure Magazine for the HUGE shout out! “Lakewood : Coolest Suburb Worth a Visit!

And last...for those of you that do find yourself at the mall this weekend stocking up on back to school clothes...pick up this short for yourself. EVERYONE in Cleveland should have one. In fact I think that as a tax payer, we should just get one free in our mail some evening, now wouldn't that be amazing? If you can’t wait for GAP to maybe send you one as a good Cleveland citizen...then make sure to pick yours up soon. I hear they are flying off the shelves.... Love yOUR city!!!

Ride to Melt (eastside!) (08/28)

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

Ever eaten at Melt and then after felt yucky and was angry at yourself for eating every last drop of the best “wakin bacon” and fries around? Wouldn’t you feel better if you knew you had 13 miles to ride on your bike after to get yourself home? Here is your opportunity!

This Sunday Melt will host a “manual transportation event” from one Melt to the other. Starting at Melt West in Lakewood and making the trek across town to Melt East in Cleveland Heights, this is an opportunity to see our great city of Cleveland, raise money for two great arts organizations, and enjoy Melt Bar and Grilled.

The money raised will be divided between the Lakewood Arts Fest and Heights Arts in Cleveland Heights. Sign up and get a sponsorship form at either location. The more money you raise the more benefits you receive.

Raise $25-$49.99 = 25% off sandwich and beverage

Raise $50-$74.99 = 50% off sandwich and beverage

Raise $75-99.99 = 75% off sandwich and beverage

Raise $100 and over = 100% off sandwich and beverage

They will also raffle off a giant 7ft signed “East Side Invasion” poster that hung in our Cleveland Heights location’s windows during construction. Signed by artist John G and owner Matt Fish

BEGIN: Melt Lakewood - 14718 Detroit Avenue END: Melt Cleveland Heights - 13463 Cedar Road Begins @ 8:30am

A BIG "Taste of the Browns" DEAL

Hello Lovers of CLEV!

How was your weekend? Mine was sorta quiet but really nice. Sometimes, isn't it nice to just slow down, stay at home and enjoy the downtime of a relaxed weekend? I think so.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't stay in ALL weekend...I had attended a kick off weekend for the Junior League of Cleveland Members. This amazing group for women always inspire me to give back, strive for better and look to the future, very poignant to living in Cleveland, don't you think? If you are interested in learning more about the JLC, they are having an open forum, info session next Saturday morning at Joseph Beth booksellers for more information call 216.231.6300. I also enjoyed a peach pizza at Players and spent Sunday with fellow blogger Allison & pal Shannon wandering around Chargin Falls...a WONDERFUL weekend!

So what' the big deal you might ask??? Ever been to the Taste of the Browns? It's an evening on Monday, September 13th, where big hunky football players, mingle with area chefs all to support the Cleveland Food Bank. People come from miles around to grab a gourmet dinner as well as a few autographs from the Browns team members. I can't wait to go this year!!!

So, the deal is TWO THINGS...

THIS WEEK, August 23-26th you can purchase your Taste of the Browns tickets from the link below for $125 a $25 discount. www.clevelandfoodbank.org/heart

In addition to the sweet discount I have been given TWO TICKETS PLUS a TASTE OF THE BROWNS COOKBOOK to give away to one of my readers...so, let's have a little contest...tell me your favorite Cleveland Browns memory or fact and this Friday at 4:00 I will choose a winner at random....Good Luck, and happy week!

Ohio City Blues Fest (08/21)

Saturday, August 21, 2010

This year marks the third annual Ohio City Blues Fest on Saturday, August 21, from 4:00- 11:00pm at Wendy Park on Whiskey Island. A full day of great blues music on the shore of Lake Erie, along with great food provided by Fat Fish Blue and a variety of traditional and hand-crafted beers.

The line-up for this year's event, which is presented by Ohio City Pasta with generous support from Vitaminwater,is as follows:

4:00-5:00 Real Deal Blues Band
5:15-6:15 Memphis Cradle
6:30-7:30 Frankie Starr
7:45-8:45 Wallace Coleman
9:00-10:30 Walkin’ Cane

Accessorize for the APL (08/20)

Friday, August 20th,2010

I received this press release, and although I don't usually just report the information, I am returning from a long work trip and must get you-the readers some great around town happenings...so here goes it!!!!

The Market Avenue Wine Bar in Ohio City will host jewelry artists red i jewelry, Gai Russo and Deborah Woolfork for a stylish event that puts as much emphasis in doing good as looking good.

The three highly regarded artists, each of whom have a large following for their hand-crafted jewelry, will be launching their fall collections during the event, scheduled from 6pm to 10pm

Throughout the evening, raffle tickets will be sold for a grand prize, a grouping of three necklaces, one from each artist, all of which were specially designed to layer with one another (a $350 value). Ticket prices are $5, or three for $10. The drawing is at 10pm. One hundred percent of the raffle proceeds will be donated to the Cleveland Animal Protective League, with the specific intent to purchase spay and neuter supplies for its animal welfare clinic.

"It’s a win-win situation," says Susan Scaparotti of red i jewelry. "A summer night of drinking great wine, buying great jewelry and donating to a great cause."

Out of this World OPENING (08/21)

Saturday August 21st, 2010

OUTERSPACE, The American Odyssey...an exhibit with 20 artists and collectives represented, 14 of them are from Cleveland.

Opening Reception 6pm-10pm, and Movie Night is scheduled for next Saturday August 28th, 6pm-10pm. The exhibition space is located on Huron Downtown CLE and it is a non-traditional gallery space provided by Pop Up City/Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative, and 1025 Huron Road, LLC Conor M. Coakley, Colliers Ostendorf-Morris.

cool Cleveland calendar!

Happy Monday Cleveland!

Hope everyone had a great weekend in our gorgeous city near the lake.

I recently received a little "heads up" from a few bloggers, friends, designers and others on this AWESOME calendar designed by Joseph of Northcoast Zeitgeist. (The real calendar does NOT have the pink box, visit the link to see the real fun!)

The first printing run was so successful, he is getting ready to print another big batch. DON'T MISS OUT! Order yours today.

Thanks Joseph for sharing your talents.

Inked for Ohio & weekend fun (08/13)

Hello CLEVELAND!!!!

I have been traveling for work a bunch as of late and I am SO SO SORRY for being a little slacking on letting you know what the scoop around the 'hood is.

First off, I want to introduce you to Nichole. I ran into her a few weeks ago and couldn't help but notice her artwork on her arm. She said it came to her in a dream, that's her and her best friend on a great day in our city. Thanks Nichole for sharing your "tat," it seems like a wonderful dream to me!!!

Now, onto this weekend...

- It's the second weekend of the month, so you know what that means...the evening art walk in Tremont. Hip hip horray!!

- Have you tried the new RoseAngel? I hear the drinks are to die for, so beat the heat with a mojito or margarita before the labor day weekend!

- 100 days, 100 nights....To know a man's heart....Ms Sharon is coming to the Rock Hall...don't miss her.

- There once was a great friend who gave me an even better book...she recommend I read it while eating chocolate & drinking wine...And so...the movie comes out this weekend...not too be missed!

Just a few little somethings to keep you busy in the land of Cleve the next few days!

XOXO -iheartcleveland

Fair-time (08/12-15)

The fair opened Monday night at the Berea Fairgrounds and will run through Sunday, Aug 15. The entry fee ranges from $6 for general admissions and $5 for seniors and children 5 to 12 years of age,

If you are feeling especially daring you can get tickets to ride, rides. Carousel anyone? For those of you who want music, live entertainment includes the Pink Floyd tribute band, Wish You Were Here, which will perform Saturday at 7:30pm. Plus, for everyone there award-winning pot-belly pigs, blueberry pies, funnel cakes...and if nothing else the ultimate people-watching experience.

Wanna go to the fair? :)

Feast (08/13-15)

This weekend...it's FEAST-TIME!!!

Time to put on your italian horn necklace...splash on your extra thick cologne...tie on your pasta eating bib and head up to Murray Hill for this weekends "Feast of the Assumption."

The four-day Feast of the Assumption is a wonderful mix of religion and secular fun. The entire length of Mayfield Road, between Euclid Avenue and Cleveland Heights is closed off to traffic. In their place are carnival rides, delicious Italian food vendors (and a random other few,) arts and crafts booths, and live music stages, playing everything from classic rock to "It's Amore."

"Detesto l'uomo che manda giù il suo cibo non sapendo che cosa mangia. Dubito del suo gusto in cose più importanti." ("I hate the man who eats without knowing what he's eating. I doubt his taste in more important things.") -Charles Lamb

Badda bing, badda bang...Gnochhi, Cannoli, Lasagna, Chianti and linguine for all.

Summer weekend!

How did it get to August already? Weren't we just planning our afternoon trips to the beach? Or what we'd pack on our evening picnic? Well, not to worry, we still have all of August and most of September keep up warm and enjoying the Cleveland outdoors.

This weekend what are you doing? So many great area events it makes me wish I could be in two places at once.

This weekend, not too be missed...

> Artists from all over Ohio will meet to sell their work in Lakewood...check out the Grey Cardigan pop up shop!

> E.T lands at Huntington Beach, while Dorothy and the munchkins take over Playhouse Square.

> A memorial show to our dear Cleveland friend, Harvey Pekar at the Beachland Ballroom.

> Grab your bike and take an evening ice cream ride to your best neighborhood ice cream shop!

> Cheers on our area athletes at this years Cleveland Triathlon.

> I've been craving a crepe, a pot of french press and the Sunday morning paper in the city.

> A big street bash in the Warehouse District!

> Rent a kayak and paddle through the Rocky River to keep cool!

> How about a $5 Mojito to ring in the new week?

Well, whatever your weekend has in store for you, make sure you are happy, healthy and surrounded by those you love. Happy iheartcleveland weekend!

Free Cleveland Music

This just in......(thanks for the tip!)

FREE CLEVELAND MUSIC

From Mr. Gnome, to Hotchacha. From Jack Fords to Afternoon Naps...Cleveland has a spectacular music scene just waiting to be devoured.

Get it while it's free, I'm not sure how long they will keep it that way?

Family Day with the Browns (08-07)

Saturday, August 7th, 2010

The Browns will switch it up from its daily training camp practice schedule in Berea for a Brown team vs. White team scrimmage at Cleveland Browns Stadium THIS SATURDAY! Fans will also enjoy music, inflatables and numerous giveaways starting at 9:00 am on Tailgate Terrace, located outside the stadium on the east patio.

The scrimmage is free of charge and is a non-ticketed event. Gates open at 11:00 am. Parking is $5 per vehicle in the Port Authority Lots surrounding the stadium. Fans who arrive between 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. should enter through BrownsTown located on the north side of the Stadium and park in the North Port Authority lot.

For more information visit www.ClevelandBrowns.com.

Oldies but goodies. (08-05/22)

If you haven't been...take a breather from this hot and humid air and slip away to the seats of the Palace Theatre for the 13th Annual Cinema at the Square.

This summer the Palace Theatre’s screen (a 20 foot-high by 47 foot-wide super Hurly-Glo projection screen) will feature 16 film favorites from August 5-22.

I went a few years ago and I haven't stopped thinking about the afternoon vintage flick since then. This year I want to try to make Gremlins, Casablanca, Wizard of Oz, Goldfinger & The Muppets Movie!!!

Along with the sweet movie experience, before the movies moviegoers will be treated to pre-show organ recitals on a restored 1927 Kimball organ that contains 16 sets of pipes, a xylophone, Glockenspiel, a complete set of drums and many cymbals.

So sit back, and enjoy a movie or two in the next few weeks. It's an awesome experience that will bring you back to what going to a movie once meant. For showtimes and ticket information visit Playhouse Square.

Lakewood Art Festival (8/07)

Saturday, August 7th, 2010

Don't miss the amazing music lineup! For details on the bands, visit the Festival Website.

Inked for Ohio.

More and more I've been noticing the love and passion that area Northeast Ohio lovers have dedicated to their skin. In Ohio "all things are possible," from license plates to tattoo art–when it comes to making an outward statement for the love of our great state.

This past Friday, at the AMAZING PechaKucha Night I had the privilege of meeting Katie. Native to Avon Lake Katie moved away from Cleveland for a brief stint, but is back and has the tattoos to prove it. Her arm proudly displays the Terminal Tower and one of the Detroit Superior Bridge Statues, her wrist complete with the outline of our sweet state and the secret piece behind her ear "216." She just might be our best billboard for creativity and personal expression yet!

Katie, is was very nice to have met you, I hope you had a great night out! It was summer in Cleveland at it's best, for sure.

If you or someone you know have a crazy great Cleveland, Ohio tattoo that you'd like to share, send me a pic and a small story (editor@iheartcleveland.com) about it and you might find yourself next on "Inked for Ohio."