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!)

Miss Manners (11/22)

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

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

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

Gender Bender Play (10/08)

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

As part of the Great Lakes Theatre Festival season opener, the actors and actresses would like to invite you to experience their work in Shakespeares, The Twelth Night.



After a shipwreck on an unfriendly shore and the loss of her twin brother Sebastian, young Viola must pose as a man to survive. Shakespeare’s sophisticated comedy of gender-bending mistaken identity is full of passionate longing and bittersweet romance. Twelfth Night is an irresistible and poignant comedy that is one of the Bard’s most luminous plays.

Get your tickets today!

Hot Cha Cha (8/30)

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

HotChaCha started as a girl band on an early Friday morning in '07 at the West Side Market in Cleveland.

Mandy and Jovana were sipping on coffee and decided that due to Mandys’ brilliant guitar sound, and Jovanas’ outrageous stage presence, they had something HUGE going on. A few days later a local drummer, Lisa, was txt messaged to come and jam with the above mentioned broads.

For three months the girls consumed large amounts of beer, peed in the garbage can at the practice space, wrote music, and jammed. Finally, one night under the influence of large amounts of alcohol, they agreed to play their first show.



After they rocked, offended a bunch of people, and inspired everyone to cry, they realized how HUGE they could be. Another thing became apparent- they needed a bass player!

Local bass playing boys were all in their business trying to get in on the HotChaCha phenomena, but the girls were firm- they wanted a girl bass player. That night Heather saw the show and fell in love with the band. The next practice she joined HotChaCha and never left.

It is than, that HCC was truly created. Mandy, Lisa. Heather, and Jovi became one ultimate machine that will make you laugh, and cry all at once.

See the Hot Cha Chas THIS Sunday at the Grog Shop tickets are $6

FREE Tickets (8/05)

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

Good morning Cleveland!

I have 2 pairs of tickets to this weeks early viewing of the anticipated flick Julie & Julia to give away thanks to the evenings host...Gatherings Kitchen.



Gatherings Kitchen is a custom catering kitchen that provides corporate and social catering to fit your enetertaining needs. Chefs Ruth and Doug also open their doors for Friday night Super Clubs - where you and your friends have the opportunity to cook together under their supervision. Along with catering & Supper Clubs, Gatherings Kitchen is also available for your private dining needs. Tucked along Madison Ave in Lakewood the space is a wonderful location for your engagement party, team building and childrens birthday party needs. GIve them a shout today for more informtion 216.228.2285


If you'd like one of the pairs of MOVIE TICKETS, leave a comment and tell me this: If you could learn to cook something along side of Ms. Child what would it be?

The contest is open until end of day August 3rd. (please include your email so I can contact you for your mailing address, the tickets will be mailed out today!)

Rock & Cook (7/26)

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

This Sunday, the Beachland Ballroom is host to the first ever Cleveland Food Rocks event. Rain or shine, more than 20 of the city's chefs (Bar Cento, Crop, Dante, Flying Fig & More) will be creating the finest Bar-B-Q in all the land. There will be lots of food and even more music. While you are there you can also win prizes in the raffles including many "celebrity" chef autographed merchandise!



To buy your $25 ticket visit www.clevelandfoodrocks.com

Strings on Sunday (7/26)

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

This weekend they are calling for off and on showers. What better way to shield ourselves from the sprinkles than to head indoors to this years "String Spectacular" as part of the Cleveland Orchestras summer series.

Come hear over 100 of the country’s finest young string players performing all-time favorites such as Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings, Barber: Adagio for Strings and Vivaldi: “Spring” from The Four Seasons.



Severance Hall, 3pm, For tickets and more information visit www.clevelandorchestra.com

Circle Home Tour (5/03)

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

Ever wanted to explore some of the old homes in the University Circle area? This Saturday join University Circle Inc. as they present the first annual Circle Home Tour.



Look into ten very diverse homes and lifestyles of the University Circle area. Start your tour at the University Circle Visitor Center (11330 Euclid Ave) or at Judson Manor (1890 East 107th Street at Chester Ave.)

1-5pm : Tickets are $10 per person if purchased in advance; $15 if purchased on Sunday. Registration available online at www.universitycircle.org

Around the World (3/13)

Friday, March 13th, 2009

While I don't have all of the details, I do know that this Friday, the quaint row of shops and restaurants in the Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood will be hosting it's first ever "WORLD of Detroit Shoreway" a weekend celebration.

The neighborhood is so diverse, make a stop to experience all that their "world" offers. There is fine ethnic dining from Vietnamese to Puerto Rican, Irish to American. An array of art galleries lets you experience art from artists both local and international. Retail boutiques let you find home accessories and furniture, greeting cards, music, apparel, jewelry and books all hand-selected by friendly, fun store owners.



One thing I am sure of is Danielle, owner of Room Service, will be playing the role of "France" as she unveils her french finds straight from her recent journey to Paris. Stop by her store for all things magnifique, including sweet tunes and tastes. www.roomservicecleveland.com

duoHOME will be celebrating Germany. From bottle openers to cheese slicers, wine racks to business card holders, every item boasts sleek, contemporary design, partnered with the high quality one has come to expect from German-produced goods. www.duohome.com

The event is Friday from 5-9pm and Saturday from 11-7pm, invite your pals and take in all "the world" offers on Detroit Ave! :) (I don't know why I loved the little pic of the "world dolls" but I thought they were fun and cheery, hope you do too!?!)

Free art and the family (04/08)

Sunday, March 8th, 2009

Shih Chieh Huang created the imaginative creatures and interactive environment at the entrance of Superlight.



At Sundays activities table, the creative team at MOCA will use Huangs artwork "Twilight Zone, 2008," to inspire us as we experiment with kinetic objects, color, and sound. Family tours, refreshments and activity guides complete this seasonal FREE Family Fun Day.

1-4 pm : FREE & open to the public : For more information visit www.mocacleveland.org

Missy Higgins (3/10)

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

"Passionate and sincere, Australian singer-songwriter Missy Higgins is a welcome relief in a music landscape littered with disposable pop. The 24-year-old Melbourne native has enjoyed phenomenal success in her homeland, and a growing fanbase in the U.S.,in spite of — or perhaps because she shuns the usual synthetic packaging and tabloid tackiness. Instead she's adopted a more timeless approach, relying on her undeniable songs and unforgettable live performances to forge a genuine connection with her audience." -someone wrote this on her site (and I thought it summed her up best)



For tickets visit the House of Blues Cleveland. For more information on Missy check out her well designed site at www.missyhiggins.com

Warm thoughts & wine.

I don’t know if I have ever mentioned to you that I am a big fan of red wine? An evening in with a good bottle of Pinot and great conversation with friends is such a luxury. A small glass (or two) of Malbec with dinner makes for a great evening. A glass of Beaujolais before bed, keeps away the nightmare-monster....or maybe that’s because I never can drink just one. :)

Well, in any case while I was trying to think “warm thoughts,” and as you have already figured out, my thought today (thought #2) is...drink more wine to stay warm (such a good excuse).

We all have our favorite wine hot spot, and with wine there is something for every taste. From the selection at World Market to a good bottle at the Market Avenue Wine Bar, we all have our own unique style. Below are a couple of the real deals, steals and tastings in the area to keep you warm (or pleasantly buzzed). Hope you enjoy!



D’Vine Wine Bar (www.dvinewinebar.com)
All Wednesday nights are “Flight Nights,” which means half off select wine flights from 4-7pm. D’Vine is located in the Warehouse District at 836 West St. Clair Avenue (between West Sixth & West Ninth on the north side of the street).

Heinen's Rocky River Café (www.heinens.com)
This Friday (March 6th), Heinen’s is hosting “Think Spring Wine Feast!” (perfect for this “thought”) A special selection of 30 different wines paired with delicious fare prepared by Heinen’s chefs. Pre-registration is requested. Contact Customer Service at 440.331.3830. $25 per person. 6:30-8:00 pm. Rocky River location at 19219 Detroit Road.

Flying Fig (www.theflyingfig.com)
Looking for a real steal of a deal? Then look no further than The Flying Fig and their selection of $5 dollar wine happy hour (4:30-7pm) specials. Nestled in the heart of Ohio City at 2523 Market Avenue, Cleveland.

Wine Bar Rocky River (www.winebarrr.com)
Visit the Wine Bar Rocky River every Wednesday from 6-7pm to learn about various wines and how to pair wine with food. Each Flight School includes 5 wines paired with 5 food tastings. $20 plus tax & gratuity. This little wine oasis is tucked away at 1313 Linda Street, Rocky River.

Visible Voice (www.visiblevoicebooks.com)
What’s black and white and red all over? A book that has a glass of Merlot spilled all over it (sorry, bad joke!). But seriously, if you are an avid book lover (for words or pictures) than this independent bookstore has the perfect pairing for you. Order a glass at the register than wander through their delightful selection of area authors and national must-reads. The actual Wine Bar is open: Tues-Fri: 3:30-10pm, Sat: 1-10pm, Sun: 3-8pm. Visible Voice is located at 1023 Kenilworth, Cleveland.

Warm thoughts & the greenhouse

Cleveland it’s cold! But come on...we are in Ohio, wait five minutes and the weather will shift. See, we have this large body of water which greatly effects how the temps will swing, one day it’s 18 and the next it’s 50. Where else can you experience such “flexible” weather patterns?

I have heard a ton of complaints and even “prayers to the gods” to make spring come faster this year. For those cold babies, I have a few ideas I will try and share throughout the next few winter weeks.

Thought #1



While most of us are aware of the grandiose beauty that lies within the glasshouse at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens (www.cbgarden.org), have you ever visited the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse (aka : City of Cleveland Greenhouse)? Built in 1912 and located just off 90 on MLK, this greenhouse not only grows all of the plants used in the city landscaping it also is a place of wonderment, discovery and "vacation."



Don’t have the cash to escape the cold and get to the tropics? The greenhouse has a vast collection of orchids and citrus trees. Wish you could fly to the desert for a blast of the hot (but wicked dry) air? The garden has a room filled with cacti and succulents. This weekend pack your lunch, grab your notepad and colored pencils and head over to the garden for a few hours of warmth in the greenhouse. Note* unlike the larger botanical garden (although I LOVE this museum too), this greenhouse museum is free (thanks to our tax dollars at work!) and open daily from 10-4.

For more on the greenhouse visit www.rockefellergreenhouse.org

Oscar Intensive (2/21)

Saturday, February 21st, 2009

This year, gearing up for the Oscars will be a breeze when you spend the afternoon at the 2009 AMC Best Picture Showcase. See all five nominated films (for $30) up for "Best Picture" in one afternoon just in time for the Oscars the next evening.

Movie Times are as follows :
10:30 : Milk
1:05 : The Reader
3:45 : The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
7:15 : Slumdog Millionaire
9:45 : Frost/Nixon



Looks like Cleveland's closest AMC theatre is located in Brooklyn, at Ridge Park Square (4788 Ridge Rd., Ridge Road @ I-480)

For more details visit www.amctheatres.com
Popcorn and unlimited refills included in your ticket price...can one live alone on movie popcorn and twizzlers? I am destined to find out. :)

Monster Event (1/17)

Saturday, January 17th, 2009

If you are looking for Saturday afternoon plans...the Monster Nationals is a family oriented monster truck show, produced by Image Promotions, Inc., a Northeast Ohio Company since 1993. Nationally recognized trucks as Bigfoot, Nitemare, War Wagon, Executioner, Black Stallion, Grave Digger, and more have all competed under the Monster Nationals Banner. Jet Powered snowmobiles, quad racing, motor sport clowns, transforming mechanical dinosaurs, freestyle BMX bicycles and more are used to create a fun filled event.



For times, directions, pricing and more visit www.monsternationals.com

Good Night Moon (1/17)

Saturday, January 17th, 2008

"Goodnight room. Goodnight moon. Goodnight cow jumping over the moon. Goodnight light, and the red balloon...Do you remember this tale? First published in 1947, written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd this story is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals and now a charming family afternoon theatre event.



Get your seats for the Mermaid Theatre’s staged adaptation of this highly acclaimed children's story. 11am or 2am shows, tickets $10-20 each. www.playhousesquare.org/Events/Events.aspx?EventID=1582

Dino Day (12/20)

Saturday, December 20th, 2008

Want to avoid the holiday shopping crowds this weekend? Head over to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History as they welcome the new Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. The full-size T. rex, a replica of the original fossil in Montana's Museum of the Rockies, will be posed facing off against the Cleveland museum's recently acquired Triceratops, the second-largest dinosaur of the Late Cretaceous Period.

The museum will hold several activities from noon to 4 pm, including dinosaur craft-making, live animal displays at 1 and 3 p.m. featuring "Raptor Show" and "Dinosaur Descendants," a 1:30 pm talk by fossil hunter Darin Croft, and a 2 pm T. rex roaring contest.



Dino Day Activities Throughout the Day Include:
• Paleontologist Vest Craft
• Dinosaur Doorknob Hanger Craft in the Discovery Center
• Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt/Bingo – Complete to receive a Dinosaur Stencil!
• Bring your camera to take a photo with a Museum dinosaur character
• Hands-on-experience with bones and fossils
• Vertebrate Paleontology display of dinosaur fossil casts and Q&A

Also Enjoy:
• Planetarium Shows for $4 at 10:30, 11:30 am and 12:30, 2, 3, and 4 pm
• Live Animal Shows: "Raptor Show" and "Dinosaur Descendants;" 1 and 3 pm
• "Build-a-Beast" in Murch Auditorium; 12:30 and 3:30 pm
• T. rex Roaring Contest – Participants must register in advance
• T. rex balloon figures with Swifty the Clown; 12:30 to 3:30 pm
• Meet a Dino Hunter: Darin Croft, Research Associate at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, CWRU, at 1:30 pm

Activities are free with museum admission. The museum is at 1 Wade Oval Drive in University Circle. For details see www.cmnh.org

a Table Feast! (11/27)

Thursday, November 26th, 2008

Not going home for the holiday? Not feeling like plowing through the grocery store and cooking for hours on end? head over to the Intercontinentals best kept restaurant secret, Table 45. The restaurant will offer their regular menu from 11am-11pm but more importantly they will be hosting Thanksgiving for only $26! Check out the tasty menu below.

1st Course
Mixed Green Salad with Poached Pears, Candied Walnuts, Dried Sour Cherries and Cranberry Vinaigrette Or Butternut Squash Soup with Toasted Hazelnuts

2nd Course
6oz of Roasted Turkey Served with Sage and Roasted Chestnut Stuffing, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Buttered Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry Sauce and Turkey Gravy

3rd Course
Traditional Apple Pie with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream Or Pumpkin Pie

sounds great...leave the cooking (and the dishes) to them! For reservations and directions visit www.tbl45.com