Legendary, BIZ MARKIE

www.bsideliquorlounge.com

Fall (local) Wants.

So it was about late August when the list began... New cowboy boots, a puffy down vest, a fur vest, a new "bike riding" purse...and the list goes on and on. My FALL MUST HAVE list! What's on your list?

Two things that I would love to score this fall are from local boutiques, Room Service and Banyan Tree.




A Kobo Soke scented candle will be just like sitting by the campfire every evening. The Kobo collection scents last a really long time while the design of the jar and label are stunning.

Another fall "want" is this lovely Figwood necklace from the Banyan Tree. Wouldn't it look sweet with one of my new fall cardigans? I may have to take a ride down to Tremont this weekend. :)

So many fun things going on at many of the small business boutiques around town. If you have a wedding gift, a birthday gift or just want to pick something up for someone remember to try and shop local. It really makes a difference for our community.

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."

Back to Basics!

Another weekend in Cleveland is upon us, and what fun! TGIF.

You guys know I am always up for a party, a soirée perhaps? But this weekend I am hoping to get back to summer basics. Throw on my flip flops, braid up my hair and take my bike out for a spin or two.

The beach seems like a perfect plan, or perhaps my city pool. If I’m in the mood to roll down my windows and drive out of the city a burger from the festival might be yummy. If I can get out of bed from all the summer fun, a bit of downward dog to LIVE music on Sunday followed by some tasty treats in Tremont.

There is always something fantastic to get yourself into in Cleveland...JUST DO IT!

scoop scoop, yum yum contest

Ruggles, gotta get me some....more!

Grab your bowl and grab your spoon Ruggles Premium Ice Cream announced that it wants fans of the frozen treat’s popular radio commercial to create their own version of the company’s catchy jingle and enter to win an impressive array of high-tech prizes in the “Ruggles Scoop Scoop Video Contest.” The online contest will run throughout July, also known as National Ice Cream Month.

To enter, visit www.RugglesVideoContest.com, download the jingle’s music and words, and by using a digital or video camera, or cell phone camera, create a video version of the famous Ruggles jingle. The Web site will contain rules, a sample video and instructions for uploading contest entries.

“Our popular jingle always ranks high on the list of commercials you sing with,” explains Penny Baker, marketing director for Ruggles. “We can’t wait to see the videos as our own ‘ice cream idols’ get creative. It’s a fun way to celebrate the summer ice cream season and win some fantastic prizes at the same time.”

Videos will also be available via the Ruggles Premium Ice Cream Facebook page, with updated “scoops” posted on Twitter throughout the contest via www.twitter.com/rugglesicecream.

Participants must be 18 years or older to submit an entry, but anyone can star in the video, such as family members, children, or church choirs, for example. Winners will be announced on July 30, 2010.

ALSO....for discount tickets to any summer sweet treat that Smith Dairy/Ruggles sells....you can grab discount coupons at Smith Dairy under SAVE MONEY!

New gallery opening (07/16)

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 all the way to tattoo art when it comes to making an outward statement for the love of our great state.

I recently met this guy who not only had an Ohio outline on the inside of his right ankle, but on the outer side he had the famous 1979 title of Ian Hunter's rock song "Cleveland Rocks." The reason this guy had these two tattoos, were not only to show how much he loved Ohio, but he was actually named after the musician of this song and felt it very fitting.

Thanks Ian for the making me stop and marvel at your ink, nice to have met you.

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."

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!

Whimsy Art Show (6/26)

Saturday, June 26th 2010

Opening reception this Saturday at Local Girl Gallery.

Everyone can use a little bit of whimsy!

Hot in Cleveland

I saw the first episode last night and I have to say, I thought it was pretty funny. This morning Matt Lauer and Valerie Bertinelli were on the Today Show talking about tonight's premier and I couldn't help but give it two thumbs up!

Tune into TV Land tonight at 10pm.

Wine & Goat Cheese (06/12-13)

Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13th, 2010

I don't know about you, but a good glass of Malbec and a spoonful of goat cheese might be my ultimate favorite "snack."

This weekend at Heinen's they will be pairing Northeast Ohio's Mackenzie Creamery with complimentary beer & wine. There is even a discount $1.00 off each flavor (except truffle flavor), which is a great savings if you are feeling like stocking up! Entirely free to taste, I'll try to schedule my grocery shopping time to coordinate with my own personal "happy" hour!

See you at Heinen's!

Rutabaga Nights (05/01)

Saturday, May 1st, 2010

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.

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.

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!)

Prep School (2 spots left!)

Gatherings Kitchen is now offering a more skill focused cooking series called Prep School.



Always wanted to study to be a chef? The series is sure to touch on knife skills, baking, stocks, sauces and more. This series would give you a good taste, an intro to some of the lingo and basics. Sign up today as there are only 2 post s left for the first series which starts on March, 2nd. For more the menu and more details click here.

Another tricky pic!

I had so much fun around town over the weekend snapping pics along my snowy Cleveland morning...
Do you know where I was here?




I'll give you a few hints, you guess...

#1) It's located on the West side
#2) It's home to many fish, fruits & veggies
#3) It is open every week, but only certain days of the week

Ever been there?

Ravioli Review #1

One of my "to-do's" for this year was to explore each flavor of Ohio City Pastas Raviloi's.

A few weekends ago I was faced with "where do I start?" Each little pasta package looked so yummy and exciting. My mouth watered in anticipation. I could start with the richness of lobster or crab or I could begin with something a bit basic and work up from there.



I bought a dozen of smoked mozzarella raviolis-not basic in the least-and had the perfect Sunday night supper. They were robust yet fragile, smoky and rich like an aged bottle of wine, yet simple and lovely paired with a basic pea shoot salad. Quick to cook, these ravioli's get a ten out of ten!

1 down...many many more to go!

New Year, New Art!

I came across this business the other day and LOVE some of their illustrations, take a peek!



"Cleveland is one of the great unsung American cities. Certainly a large part of the industrial backbone that made this the greatest country in the world. There are so many landmarks and historical aspects of Cleveland that are beautiful and worth a second look. With your support we hope to do many more such matchbooks and posters. Let us know if you have a great subject you'd like to see. Thanks, The Management at The Great Lakes Match Co."

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?")