Wierd Al (09/03)

I know that this Friday is the anticipated Rock Hall Ball..but has anyone heard the news? Wierd Al Yankovic is also performing in Cleveland on Friday! Remember him?

I can vividly remember singing the Madonna tune to the lyrics of "Like a Surgeon" as I pranced around my parents home as a young kid. Since those days "Al" has gone on to write and perform many hits such as "Canadian Idiot" and "Polkarama," a parody on polkas.



You can find Mr Yankovic at this years Taste of Cleveland running from Friday September 3rd through to Monday the 6th at Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City in downtown Cleveland. Everything from Polish cuisine and spicy Cajun fare to Grammy Award-winning artists and radio rock stars are on the menu...fingers crossed no rain for the holiday weekend!!!

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!!!

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

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!

Congrats Chef Sawyer.

Just chillin at the beach and I realized I hadn't done a congrats "shout out" to our local chef who hit the cover page of this months "Food & Wine" Magazine.

Congrats to Jonathan Sawyer of East 4th's, Greenhouse Tavern...your recipe for Steamed Clams with a Foie Gras sounds super yummy.

I think I will grab a group of gal pals, a few dozen clams and celebrate your recent fame!

Congrats & happy summer Mr. Sawyer!

CELEBRATE (food) CARTS (06/10)

Thursday, June 10th 2010

Have you heard the buzz? Food delivered right to your place of work? Or how about gourmet food to cure your late night cravings? yes, Cleveland has recently upped the ante by adding a series of food carts to our already stellar lunch and dinner options.

Cleveland Public Art, The Zygote Press and Ohio City Near West are hosting an event to celebrate the latest and greatest. Swing by West 26th Street (in front of CPA) the street will be closed so we can eat from the carts & drink in the street! Zygote Press artists' prints will be on display in CPA's office gallery.

Fingers crossed the sun shines. Sounds like it will be such a fun evening.5:30-9:00pm

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?

REMINDER...DISCOUNT Jump Back Ball Coupon Code

Just a reminder you have TODAY ONLY to use your I heart Cleveland code to get the TODAY ONLY discounted ticket rate of $135.

Just use the Jump Back Ball coupon code of "HEART" (before end of day, February 2nd) when purchasing your tickets and you will receive the discounted rate! Sweet...you can use the extra cash to buy your date an elaborate corsage...HA!

Groundhog, Greenhouse Brew (02/02)

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Hello & happy Monday!

Hope you had a fun-filled Cleveland weekend, mine was nice...lots of rest and relaxation. Though it was sunny, boy was it cold...brrrr....

Wonder how long this winter will last? Will it "spring up" late March? Will the snow coat the ground till April? Well...wait no longer, tomorrow is Ground Hog Day. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.



Either way, there is gonna be a party at the Greenhouse Tavern to celebrate the furry "weatherman" prediction AND their new beer release that they crafted at Buckeye Brewery. Stop by after work for a pint of the "Groundhog, Greenhouse Brew!" I'll be there, will you?

Happy sparkly weekend!

Another chilly winter weekend in Cleveland...how I love how shiny the world is with a little coating of ice. My friend Henry once said that I must have been a crow in a past life as I am constantly attracted to anything glittery, sparkly or shimmery...so needless to say, a dusting of light snow makes my heart skip a beat!

Although this weekend is predicted to be an extra cold one, there are many activities to keep us indoors all warm and cozy. around town. I'm going to try and hit a few of these hot spots this last weekend in January...can you believe it's almost February?

A new season at MOCA means an Opening Night Celebration. Art. Music. A killer gift shop!



A drink with the new Dante.

Arabesques, padashas and pliés at Playhouse Square featuring the Bill T. Jones & Arnie Zane Dance Company

Hot Haitian Nights....a Benefit to Help Rebuild Haiti Saturday night at the Speakeasy (under the Beer Market) 8pm. $10 suggested donation to benefit Habitat for Humanity International and their efforts to help the people of Haiti rebuild their lives.

Two games are better than one! (Cavs play tonight AND Sunday!)

Warm. Winter. Weekend.

After a winter whirlwind of a week I am looking to Cleveland for weekend fun. It’s supposed to be warm so the snow will melt a bit, perfect wellie weather...get outside, wear your sunglasses, soak up the cool sunshine. Enjoy.

Here is what’s on my tentaive weekend “agenda” ...what’s on yours?



> A wild after party (because I couldn’t get tickets to the big show?)

> a trip to the Market for ...Ohio City Pasta (and apricots for baking)

> Unique Thrift has a sale...until 1:00pm

> a bit of Eric Carle at Playhouse Square

> a 4-5pm free spinning class

> a late night night happy dinner

> go CAVS!!!

> Perogies for breakfast

photo by medalie

Peaceful holiday weekend.

Well folks, where has December gone? As I grow older I realize how the term "time flies" is so very true. One day it's the 4th of July and the next is Christmas. I mean don't get me wrong, I've cherished each gingerbread man and peppermint stick...I've mixed and mingled. I've indulged in sweets and savory treats. I've stayed up late painting the town red. All the while...jingling all the way.

But with all this said..I'm ready for a weekend of peaceful holiday cheer. I'm one of those lucky few to be done shopping, all wrapped and shipped and now I get to enjoy the reason for the season.



A few things that are on my non-crazy holiday weekend MAY include...
- Wearing my "caterer-friend" hat and working a swanky holiday party with Cleveland's richy rich.

- An impromptu brunch with ELEVEN really great women.

- A sampling of fine cheese and wines at Baricelli Inn.

- If I realize I forgot someone on my list, maybe a stop into the Last Minute Market at the Lake Erie Screw Factory.

- Perhaps dinner "Christmas Story Style" at Touch...including Peking Duck.

- A bit of caroling with the Ohio City Singers at Happy Dog.

- Sunday jazz brunch with artists and friends at Flying Fig

- Maybe I'll even go see Santa to sit on his lap and let him know that for Christmas this year all I really want is a glittering of snow and peace of mind in the new year...okay, and maybe a sweater or two from J.Crew! :)

Happy holiday weekend to all and to all a good night.

Get your Santa On (12/12)

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

Ever wanted to dress up like Santa, but just don't have the extra time to spend your Saturday afternoons in the local mall? Time to steam and or febreeze your velvet and white fur costume for the Night of 1000 Santas...Cleveland Style!



Join the holiday bar crawl through the city's near West Side for a night of Christmas cheer.
The schedule (as it stands today) is as follows...
7:30 : Reddstone
8:30 : Parkview
9:30 : Happy Dog (no cover for Santa suit-wearers)
10:30 : Garage Bar
11:30 : Bier Market
12:30 : Touch (no cover for Santa suit-wearers) and dancing included.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Happy Santa and cocktails to everyone and to all a goodnight. :)

Glog on the Blog

Happy Monday Cleveland!

Hope everyone enjoyed the cool winter weekend as much as I did. With my visitor in town I sure did pack a lot into the holiday weekend. One of the things I wanted to "report" on was this funky little drink I experienced at the Greenhouse Tavern..."Glog!"

Glog, defined in the dictionary as a "hot spiced wine and liquor punch and it is a delicious warming drink. Glog is a traditional drink of the Swedish & Finnish Advent season. Traditionally made with red wine, and each small glass has a few almonds and raisins in it as well as the drink. Glog's origins are with mulled wine - wine heated with spices. Glog also tends to have more sugar as well as a heavier alcohol content. It is said that Glog cures the common cold.



The bartenders at The Greenhouse were kind enough to show me how they made their new holiday drink. The drink is assembled using special house made glog mix & honey liquor, steamed and then accessorized with little golden raisins.

Be warned...I took a big sniff (from my brandy snifter) and wow...I thought I burned off my nose hairs...let's just say it's potent...in a good way! :)

I still can't 100% say I loved it, but I can't stop thinking about this potent hot toddy, so I guess it made an impression on me. Let me know what you think!

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!

Beer = Pumpkin (10/29)

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

Don’t have plans for tonight? Join the team at Bar Cento for the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Beer & Pumpkin Carving Contest.



Purchase a pumpkin beer and get a free pumpkin to carve. Winner receives dinner for two at Bar Cento. Bring it!

Dodging Sniffles

As fall arrives, and the swine flu sets in we find ourselves armed with a pack of tissues, vitamin c and perhaps switching from the morning latte to a hot cup of Echinacea..

This weekend Nolan predicts cold temperatures and chilling rain to blow through the North East Ohio neighborhoods. If you are looking for a little hideaway to keep you warm and toasty, here are a few of my favorites.



> InnerBliss Yoga : for a hot yoga class to sweat away the bad toxins
> La Petite Triangle Café : for a pot of french press coffee
> Brown Aveda Institute : for an upper body relaxation massage ($17!) to move those nasty germs out of you
> The Cleveland Botanical Garden : for a tropical, butterfly infused adventure
> Chelseas : for a bit of therapeutic searching/shopping for vintage fall frocks (1412 W 116TH St)
> The Great Lakes Theatre : For a comfy lounge chair, a stiff drink (don’t they say alcohol cures a cold?) & Shakespeare

Symon Sighting & Signing (11/19)

Thursday, November 19th, 2009




For tickets visit www.lkwdpl.org/foundation/msymon/msymon.htm

(Thanks Michelle! Great find.)

yummy beer (10/16-24)

Friday, October 16th, through Saturday, October 24th, 2009

Craving a lager? Thinking about a pale ale? Me? I am dying to have a Pumpkin Ale this fall..something spicy, rimmed with brown sugar.

Well, have I got something good for you? This year marks the inaugural event of Cleveland Beer Week. A celebration of beers from the unique small local breweries to the infamous imports, there will be a hop and whey for every one's beer belly cravings.



Some of the really buzzing events to kick off the brew-ha-ha include...

- Dogfish Head will be at Southside, Friday at 6pm to kick off beer week with old favorites like 90 Minute IPA and new special releases, prices and glasses.

- Sunday at The Beer Engine will be and serving a special beer breakfast.

- West Park Station will be selling ALL craft beers for $2.50.

- Saturday, beginning at 2pm, The Barley House will pair the Ohio State football game with a "10 craft beer samples for $20" promotion. They will have 30 brews to choose from, and you get a cool mug too.

- On Friday, Moxie Restaurant will host a four-course beer, fondue and raclette dinner. Beginning at 7 p.m., the $45 meal pairs selections from Merchant du Vin, Ayinger and Samuel Smith with imported raclette, and mushroom and shallot fondues.

For more information and where you can grab a great pint...visit www.clevelandbeerweek.org

Taste of Cleveland (9/04-7)

Friday-Monday, September 4th -7th, 2009

The 14th Annual Taste of Cleveland presents Northeast Ohio’s rich tapestry of cultures using a universal language – food! The gastronomical salute to summer’s end takes place this Labor Day Weekend at Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City in downtown Cleveland.

From Little Italy and East 4th Street to Tremont and Ohio City, Northeast Ohio has blossomed into a true culinary capital. With top-notch chefs of Food Network fame and mom and pop shops that epitomize an authentic blue-collar menu, the area’s culinary resources have spilled over into a never-ending stream of hidden bistros, notable restaurants, tiny cafes and neighborhood favorites. Restaurant Row at the 14th annual Taste of Cleveland will feature more than 30 establishments serving bite-sized cuisine representative of the town’s many distinctive flavors.

Including the awesome food vendors, some of the headlining entertainers are...
Sept 4: Peter Frampton at 9:15 p.m. with special guest The Elms and Pale Hollow
Sept 5: Lita Ford at 9:15 p.m. with The Breakfast Club
Sept 6: Billy Squier at 9:15 p.m. with special guest Into the Presence and View from Everest
Sept 7: Special afternoon performance at 2:30 p.m. featuring Cowboy Mouthand the Paul Green School of Rock
Sept 7: Michael Stanley and The Resonators at 6:00 p.m. with The Jack Fords

Want to spend your Saturday judging desserts from area Cleveland chefs? Enter to win the guest judge position today. www.promosuiteinteractive.com/cap/loginhere.asp?capid=15434

For tickets, times & more details visit www.cleveland.com/tasteofcleveland/