Baked. Pumpkin Cookies.

For as long as I can remember, around this time of the year; my mom would pull out the kitchenaid mixer as a constant staple to her counter top. You see, once it was cool enough outdoors it was time to start whipping up the batches of pumpkin & chocolate chip cookies at my families house.

These pillows of pumpkin perfection dotted with choco chips are a HUGE crowd pleaser. From the office Halloween luncheon to your late night bon fire, these will NOT disappoint, promise. Try them, you’ll thank me.




"i heart pumpkin cookies recipe"

Pre-heat over 350'

Combine...
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 beaten egg
- 1/2 c oil (vegetable)
- 1 c sugar

Mix w/ combined dry ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda + 1 tsp milk (dissolve)

Once combined, stir in...
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate Chips (As much or as little as you like - I use the entire bag!)

Spoon onto baking sheet in little "blobs." (Yes, that's a technical term!)

Bake for 10-14 minutes...toothpick should come out clean.


If you’re not into baking, Elmwood Bakery on Madison Ave in Lakewood makes adorable spooky petit fours for sharing, Blackbird Baking Company is currently whipping up batched of Pumpkin and Ginger cookies, theres always the apple tarts available at On the Rise Bakery on Fairmont or not to be missed chocolate dipped macaroons from Prestis...I digress.

Who has a sugary sweet tooth? Not me! :)

Inked for Ohio.

Another perfect weekend in Cleveland. Sunny weather. A yummy clambake. Riding bikes. Home improvement AND another fun Inked in Ohio tattoo to share.

So, I was at the famous Muni Lot yesterday and let's just say, it takes all types. From the die hard sports fans to the "girls who wanna have fun," from the fair weather fans to the downtown hipsters, everyone was psyched for yesterdays game.

One thing never to be missed (heads up!) are all the non-football players, passing the football through the crowds of people. Shirtless guys show their stuff as they perform the ball throwing tradition as if they were kids playing outside in the backyard.

Yesterday I happened to run into Brandon and little did I know he was sporting an "inked for Ohio" tattoo! I ran right up to him and asked to snap a few pics. Not only does he have this great skyline image of the city on his bulging bicep, he also has an outline of the state on his chest, but my pic was too blurry from dodging footballs to share. THANKS BRANDON for letting me share your ink.



Happy monday cleveland peeps. Oh, and BTW did you know Wednesday is Bar Cento's 3 Year Anniversary Party? Buy any carafe of beer or wine and your pizza is free! Cheers to a great week!

Happy (Mickey) Monday!

Hello Cleveland & welcome Fall,
You might all think I’ve been doing a slacking job at reporting what’s happening in our land of the CLEV, or maybe it’s my own personal blog guilt, but I promise October will be better.

You see for the month of September I was writing for Chevrolet’s “Gotta Love Chevy” test drive a traverse promotional program (see my posts here!) and I gotta admit... I couldn’t keep up. Work got busy, the weekends were slammed and something had to take a bit of a back seat...

BUT, now that October, tights and fall have officially arrived, it’s time to have some fun! In the next month a new design for iheartcleveland will be realeased, I am working on some very exciting promotions and I am ready to rock and blog roll our way through these chilly months with lots of hot stuff. I can’t wait!

Thanks for a little tip from my fellow blogger and friend Cleveland Foodie about one of our own Clevelanders who is gracing the pages of this Months Cosmopolitan Magazine. Mickey is OHIO’s representative to this years HOTTEST Bachelor contest. If you want to see for yourself visit Umami or Market at the Fig and check him out! Otherwise let’s bring Ohio home a win, Vote today!!!



Enjoy your Monday morning. Hope you had a big cup of (pumpkin Spice) Joe. What’s on the agenda this week???

Garlic LOVE! (09/11-12)

The North Union Farmers’ Market is proud to present the first ever Cleveland Garlic Festival at historic Shaker Square! This grassroots food and music event will take place Saturday, from 1:00-10:00 PM., and Sunday, from 12:00 to 8:00 PM. Tickets are $10 each (can be purchased online or at the show) All proceeds will support North Union’s mission of championing local foods by connecting certified producers with consumers through a network of markets in order to:

- Supply the community with the freshest garlic – harvested ripe and brought fresh to market
- Support growth and incubate over 300 small businesses in Northeast Ohio
- Stimulate the local economy by keeping money in our communities
- Keep Ohio land producing food and supporting families, which saves farms from destruction



The Cleveland Garlic Festival will be the place to be for “all things garlic” in the Midwest Great Lakes region. Attendees will enjoy garlic-themed food prepared by local chefs including everything from ice cream to oysters, an onsite celebrity chef Grill-Off, live music, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, taste and grow tents for children, and many more events and activities.

Get out the breath mints – the Cleveland Garlic Festival arrives this weekend!

Market at the Fig

Hello Clevelanders and happy holiday weekend.
Couldn’t we all use a break? A few days off to rest our brains from deadlines, to do lists, meetings and conference calls? I for sure am looking forward to an extra day to relax and enjoy Northeast Ohio.

As everyone is beginning to make weekend plans, I wanted to share with you an adorable little place I went to lunch at yesterday, Market at the Fig; a small urban pantry.



Created by Karen Small also chef owner at Flying Fig, her vision for a neighborhood lunch, wine, gourmet cheese and sweets destination has come to fruition. The food was delicious...we had an Dilled Farm Egg Salad on focaccia roll, a Spanish Tuna fish sandwich and the special of the day a cucumber sandwich. Thumbs up all around! An extra plus is you can take your lunch outside and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Historic Ohio City area...it’s simply city awesomeness! Everyone should try and stop in this weekend, it’s so sweet. Way to go Market at the Fig!



A couple of other things...don’t forget about the big Rock Hall Ball this evening. The Taste of Cleveland and the Air Show all weekend long. PLUS for those of us beach lovers...grab your towel and get outside I think it’s gonna clear up.

Last but not least, as we move into the month of September, I am going to be blogging for the The Ohio Chevy Network Dealers from out and about around Cleveland. Please visit gottalovechevyneo.com to see what fun myself and the other area bloggers get ourselves into!

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!!!

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

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.

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!

24 flavors.

The other night I was driving home during a summer storm and had to get gas...we are talking driving on fumes.

I pulled over at a random gas station that barely accepted credit cards at the pump, you know the kind. As the rain dripped through the over hang my gaze was drawn to a shiny red light of the neighboring business.

There it stood in the rain, parking lot filled with cars, people in raincoats with umbrellas, pushing and shoving their way into this random ice cream shop/grille. For a moment I thought to myself, "why on earth would this place be so hoppin, and who would actually make it a destination on a hot and humid night?"

Then somehow, my feet started walking towards the light, just like a bug zapper luring a mosquito. I was entering the Cone Zone & Grille, located in Cleveland (next to Westpark) at 4081 Rocky River Drive. There was a big banner on the front of the building reading "24 Flavors of Soft Serve"....Apricot. German Chocolate. Coconut. Peach. Peanut Butter. Just a few of the LOTS of flavors of soft serve.

I hadn't eaten dinner so it gave me a free summer dinner pass for a small cup of cheesecake soft serve and WOW, was it tasty. Don't judge a book by it's cover. Fill your car and head over to the Cone Zone for a variety of smooth creamy treats. Next time, I'm thinking a mixture of peach, coconut & banana, tropical fun.

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

Market Under Glass : Free ticket contest

Hello & happy best spring weekend EVER!

I hope you were able to enjoy a bit of sunshine while also enjoying your friends and family on this holiday weekend. I had a nice weekend, and can't believe it's a new week all over again. Let the good times roll...

So, a few months ago I was approached to see if I might volunteer my time to the Cleveland Foodbank for their annual premier event, Market Under Glass. They wanted myself and a handful of other area bloggers to appear as "celebrity" servers, and I use that word very loosely. I laughed at first and thought that was the silliest request...me? A minor "celebrity," I think not.

But since it was for a good cause, and since I could be the "Three Birds server," I signed up for the evening event.

Market Under Glass, will take place on Thursday, April 22 from 6-9 pm at The Galleria at Erieview. The event benefits the annual Harvest for Hunger campaign, a 21-county food and funds drive, coordinated by the Cleveland Foodbank.

Over 1,200 guests will spend the evening grazing on superb cuisine and delicious wines and beers from more than 50 of Cleveland’s premier restaurants and beverage purveyors. There will also be the opportunity to win prizes through the Continental Airlines Silent Auction & Raffle. Tickets are for sale $100. Tickets to Market Under Glass may be purchased online at www.cleveland.com/marketunderglass or by calling 216.738.2046. For the complete list of restaurants check this out!

The good news for you is that I have a pair of general admission tickets to give away for this big Cleveland benefit. Just tell me by THIS Friday, April 9th @ 3pm, what your favorite Cleveland springtime events, activities and or memories are. I am so excited to hear from everyone.

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?

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!

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?

film classics & egg benedict

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

This Sunday kicks off the first in the Sunday Classics at the Capitol Theatre - Brunch & Movie Series

Come to the Capitol Theatre at 10 am for a screening of the vintage classic of An American In Paris followed by Sunday brunch at LUXE Kitchen. Gene Kelly stars in director Vincent Minelli's 1951 classic musical that won 6 Oscars including Best Picture...I can't believe I have NEVER seen it yet?



The Capitol Theatre is launching its Sunday Classics Brunch & Movie Series. See a different classic film, each month and then enjoy brunch at their partnering restaurant immediately after the film.

The Brunch/Movie Package tickets are $25 ($5 for just the movie) and reservations must be made via phone M-F between 9:00 and 5:00. Please call 440.349.3306 ext. 111 to make your brunch reservation. Call today!

make your reservation

because next week is Cleveland Restaurant Week!





Get yourself a group of friends or ask your best friend to dinner, pick your place and then get out and support our local independent restaurants.

Never been to Mr. Symon's Lola's? This is such a great opportunity to take in the gorgeous atmosphere and the tasty food for only $30 for your entire meal. Looking for something more intimate for two, D'Vine wine bar is offering a $30 deal for two people, wine additional.

Reserve now, times are filling up fast!

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?

Yoga for foodies (2/17)

Wednesday, February 17th, 2009

Do you like to downward dog or happy baby? What about sprouts and goat cheese? Well, then I have a perfect evening out for you.



Join David Romanelli (chocolate & yoga originator) for an evening of yoga at the downtown hot spot, Greenhouse Tavern. After the class is over, float downstairs for a family feast of farm to table yummies.

I posted this early because spaces are filling up fast. David is an amazing teacher, has wonderful music selections and is light and fun in his teachings....and we all know how much we LOVE Chef Sawyers eggs & fries...wonder if that is good to eat after yoga? :)

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