Why? Detroit Shoreway Happy Hour Holla!

It’s time for the second installment in my monthly Happy Hour Holla series. Last month, I rounded up some of the best happy hours in Tremont. This month, let’s head to Detroit Shoreway and Gordon Square.

XYZ the Tavern

Image Source – xyzthetavern.com

The Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4-7pm

The Drinks: $5 select craft beer draft and a slice of pizza, $7 daily shot and beer specials, Whiskey Wednesdays with four 1-oz. pours of featured whiskeys or bourbons

The Eats: $5 slice of pizza paired with a craft beer draft, 1/2 –off slices of cheese pizza on Mondays

The Catch: None

Luxe Kitchen and Lounge

Image Source – luxecleveland.com

The Hours: Monday-Friday, 5-7pm

The Drinks: $5.50 select cocktails, $3.75 select wines, ½-off select drinks

The Eats: $6 personal-style pizzas, $6 snacks

The Catch: Happy hour prices available in the lounge only

Stone Mad Pub

Image Source – facebook.com

The Hours: Monday-Friday, 4-7pm

The Drinks: $2 select domestic beer, $3 select cocktails, $4 select wines, $4.50 Guinness

The Eats: $5 appetizers

The Catch: None

Spice Kitchen and Bar

Image Source – facebook.com/spicekitchenandbar

The Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 4-7pm

The Drinks: $6 daily specialty cocktail, $5 select wines, $3 select draft beer, discounted select bottled beer

The Eats: Discounted select appetizers

The Catch: Happy hour prices available in the bar area only

The Harp

Image Source – the-harp.com

The Hours: Monday all day, Tuesday-Friday, 3-7pm

The Drinks: $1 draft beer, $2 domestic bottled beer, $5 specialty cocktails, $5 select wines

The Eats: $5 appetizers, fish basket, or burger

The Catch: None

This is just a sample of some of the great places in Detroit Shoreway and Gordon Square to enjoy an after-work adult beverage. Cheers!

What neighborhood should I happy hour holla in next month?

Why? Dishcrawl Cleveland!

On Tuesday night, Matthew and I checked out the newest food tour in town: Dishcrawl Cleveland. Dishcrawl picks a neighborhood and takes you on a sampling dinner through some of the coolest restaurants in that area. The inaugural Dishcrawl Cleveland tour took us to four restaurants in the Detroit Shoreway/Gordon Square neighborhood.

Our first stop for the tour was Spice Kitchen and Bar. Matthew couldn’t resist the specialty cocktail of the day, called Morimoto Rising, which had chamomile rum, lemongrass syrup, ginger syrup, and a splash of black port.

Drinks were not included as part of the admission to the Dishcrawl tour, but we were able to enjoy extended happy hour pricing. We got to taste a sampling of Spice dishes: fish tacos, shrimp curry soup served over jasmine rice, and the famous mushroom beignets.

Everything was spot on: flavorful and delicious. I have yet to have anything but a great experience at Spice. We also got to hear from Chef Ben Bebenroth, who told us about plans to expand into the upstairs space of the building and also about Spice’s Landscape Dinners coming up this August and September.

Our next stop on the DIshcrawl tour was a delightful surprise: Rincon Criollo Restaurant.

This was a place many of us had passed, but few had tried. It was nice to get a tour of neighborhood you think you know fairly well and still have a restaurant in the mix that is new to you. At Rincon Criollo, we were treated to a generous helping of traditional Puerto RIcan food, including roasted chicken, yellow rice, beans, and the “famous” jibarito.

The jibarito is a sandwich made of plaintains instead of bread, with steak, mayo, lettuce, and tomato as the filling. It was simple and delicious and only $5.50 for a full jibarito on Rincon Criollo’s menu.

One of the highlights of the tour for me was a preview of the much anticipated Toast. We got to sample a trio of toasts (rabbit rillette, chicken liver, and fromage with red pepper) and tasty non-alcoholic beverage with homemade cherry syrup.

Chefs Jennifer Plank and Joe Horvath, formerly of The Greenhouse Tavern, and owner Jillian Davis talked about Toast’s location in a 100-year-old house, which used to be a bakery, and the truly unique menu, which is desribed as “revitalized farm fare” or “what your grandma would make, but kicked in the a**.” Toast is opening in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned and be sure to check out this great new spot!

Toast’s very cool bar

We ended the evening on a decadent note at Sweet Moses Soda Fountain and Treat Shop. This 1940′s-style soda shop just celebrated two years in business and is going strong with delicious homemade ice creams, sorbets, phosphates, and candies.

We got to taste a just-for-Dishcrawl sundae with French salted caramel ice cream, hot fudge, peanuts, caramel corn, and whipped cream.

It tasted a bit like Cracker Jack and was oh-so-delicious. The French salted caramel ice cream is going to be a regular menu item now at Sweet Moses, so stop in and try it for yourself!

It was a fun night getting to know some new places and rediscovering some neighborhood favorites! The next Dishcrawl Cleveland tour happens on Tuesday, May 7, with four different restaurants in Downtown. Tickets are $45, which is a good deal based on this first tour, and can be purchased by clicking here.

What neighborhood(s) would you like to see Dishcrawl Cleveland tour?

***Disclosure: I was invited by Dishcrawl Cleveland to attend the Detroit Shoreway tour with a single media pass. Matthew’s ticket was purchased by us. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Upcoming Events!

Spring is almost here! Can you feel it in the air?! Here are some great upcoming events to put a spring in your step, too:

St. Patrick’s Day

Sunday, March 17

Everywhere!

Image Source – cleveland.about.com

We know how to do St. Patrick’s Day right in Cleveland! Maybe because we’re so cooped up in the winter. For a run-down of great green events, from the parade to kegs and eggs, check out this post from Flee to the Cleve. Have fun and be safe!

cleveland.com Tweet-Up

Wednesday, March 20 at 5pm

Collection Auto Club at Progressive Field

Image Source – cleveland.com

Join cleveland.com and lots of your tweeps for a tweet-up in the new Collection Auto Club seating area at Progressive Field, a 5,000-square foot lounge next to the Press Box (If you click the link, Hammy will talk to you. WAAAY BACK!). You’ll get to taste some new concession items for the Indians upcoming season, as well as receiving 2 complimentary drink tickets. For more information and to RSVP (there is limited free parking if you sign up early), click here.

Cleveland Foodbank YP Pantry Happy Hour

Thursday, March 21 at 5:30pm

Noodlecat

Image Source – clevelandfoodbank.org

The Cleveland Foodbank YP Pantry wants you to enjoy one of Cleveland’s best happy hours to benefit one of Cleveland’s best organizations. Enjoy Noodlecat‘s regular happy hour specials, plus bring 3 cans of food or a $5 donation to the Cleveland Foodbank to receive 1 complimentary drink ticket. You can also sign up that evening to become a member of the YP Pantry. Click here to RSVP.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake

Saturday, March 23 at 12:30pm

Brunswick Zone

Image Source – bowlbigforkids.org

Sign up with your friends, raise $50 per bowler, and bowl away to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County. For registering, you receive one game of bowling, a t-shirt, refreshments and snacks, and a chance to win some great prizes. For more information and to register, click here.

Dyngus Day

Monday, April 1

“The Polish Triangle”

Image Source – facebook.com

It’s Dyngus Day: a bonanza of Polish awesomeness! From DJ Kishka to pierogi to a parade to Miss Dyngus, you cannot miss this festive day. From Tremont to the Shoreline District to the Flats, many of your favorite restaurants and bars are participating. For a full list of events, locations, and specials, click here or check out the Dyngus Day Cleveland Facebook page.

Cleveland’s Finest Hors D’Oeuvre Contest

Thursday, April 4 at 6pm

Terrace Club at Progressive Field

Image Source – facebook.com

Join Our Lady of the Wayside for this tasty event! Nibble away and then cast your ballot for Cleveland’s finest hors d’oeuvre. Among the competitors will be chefs from Battery Park Wine Bar, Corleone’s Ristorante and Bar, John Q’s Steakhouse, and the Zack Bruell restaurant group. Tickets are $80 and proceeds benefit Our Lady of the Wayside’s mission of helping those with developmental disabilities. For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, click here.

Playhouse Square Partners Bowl-a-Rama

Thursday, April 11 at 6pm

Mahall’s 20 Lanes

Image Source – playhousesquare.org

Playhouse Square Partners wants you to let the good times roll at Mahall’s 20 Lanes, Cleveland’s hot new bowling spot. There will be a happy hour at 6pm and bowling begins at 7pm. Tickets are $25 and include 3 hours of bowling, shoe rental, food and one drink ticket. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Microsoft Retail Store Grand Opening

Saturday, April 13 at 11am

Beachwood Place Mall

Image Source – microsoftstore.com

Come check out all the tech goodness available at the grand opening of the Microsoft Retail Store at Beachwood Place Mall and score tickets to see Kelly Clarkson perform! The store opens at 11am and the first hundred people in line not only receive the first peek at the Microsoft wonderland, but also two free premier viewing tickets for the Kelly Clarkson concert to happen that afternoon at 4pm. One of those tickets gets you in to not only the concert, but also a meet and greet with Kelly! The next 1,000 people in line will receive 2 premier viewing tickets to the concert. For more information, click here.

What upcoming events are you most looking forward to as we welcome Spring?

***Disclosures: I am a member of the council for the Cleveland Foodbank YP Pantry. I was invited by Microsoft to attend the grand opening of the Microsoft Retail Store. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Spice Kitchen and Bar!

Last night, Mom and I had a wonderful girls’ night out in Gordon Square. Originally we planned on dinner and a movie, but upon realizing that Les Miserables is nearly 3 hours long, we switched the order to an earlier movie, then dinner. Yup, we’re old!

We saw Les Mis at the Capitol Theatre, which was exactly the right setting for something that felt more like a stage production that was filmed, rather than a movie musical (I’m stealing that description from my friend Andrea because it is spot on). I’m a sucker for musicals and I have a massive girl crush on Anne Hathaway, so take my opinion with those grains of salt, but I truly enjoyed the film.

From there, we headed down the street to Spice Kitchen and Bar. I had been to Spice for events (Emerging Chefs, Holla Days 2011, and the Near West Theatre after-party) but never for a sit-down, order-off-the-menu meal. We started, as all girls’ night out meals should, with cocktails: the Kombucha Mama (with kombucha made in-house) for Mom and the Pear and Pomegranate Sparkler for me.

We also shared the heavenly mushroom beignets, which are fried puffs of dough and mushrooms served with a honey goat cheese creme fraiche.

Mom declared she would eat the creme fraiche off cardboard and I would have to agree, although I certainly prefer eating it off the beignets!

For my entree, I chose the pumpkin risotto, topped with shaved Parmesan and mushroom salad.

I loved the sweetness and texture of the chunks of pumpkin in this dish. The mushrooms added a nice balance to the flavors, but I could have used more of them.

Mom had the beef brisket special, served on top parsnip puree with pan gravy and wilted greens.

Everything about this dish was warm and satisfying and perfect for the season.

I took some risotto home, both to bring Matthew something and to leave room for dessert. I had the peppermint pot de creme, served with housemade shortbread.

This is like a crazy York Peppermint Patty in heaven. Seriously delicious and Christmas-y. I love me a pot de creme.

Mom had the apple and bourbon crisp, which I had the pleasure of sampling at the Emerging Chefs Harvest Moon event.

Topped with salted caramel ice cream, this is a wonderful blend of salty, sweet, and a hint of spice.

Chef Ben Bebenroth at Spice has created a small, intensely seasonal menu that had me wanting multiple entrees. For a chance to check out a variety of Spice cuisine, head there for the five-course New Year’s Eve dinner. Price is $75 (or $100 for drink pairings with your courses) and there are seatings at 6:30 and 9:30.

All in all, it was a lovely girls’ night out and I may have a new Gordon Square favorite. Where do you love to go for a film and a bite?

Why? Upcoming Holiday Events!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Click here to enter to win 4 tickets to the Cavs game on December 5. Remember, you can tweet daily for additional entries!***

‘Tis the season, Cleveland! All over, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, which means tons of fun goings-on around town. Read on for a sampling of all the festive fun:

Glow Wintershow 2012

Now through December 31

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Image Source – cbgarden.org

Even the name sounds magical! Glow has something for everyone: take a ride on the Garden Express train, listen to carolers, decorate a gingerbread house, check out the beautifully decorated trees and poinsettias, and go ice skating at the Rink at Wade Oval. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6.50 for children. For Glow times and tickets, click here.

Ohio City Holiday Festival

Saturday, December 1 at 11am

Market Square Park

Image Souce – facebook.com

Come down to Market Square Park and shop for Christmas trees and gifts, have your photo taken with Santa, raise a Christmas Ale and generally celebrate the season. Click here for more information.

Cookie Decorating Party

Saturday, December 1 at 2pm

Veggie U

Head out west to Veggie U for an afternoon of fun with the kids. Children can decorate a dozen cookies to take home, as well as extra cookies to be donated to a local nursing home, plus sneak in a visit with Santa! Tickets are $35 per child under 12. Call 419-499-7500 for reservations.

Playhouse Square Partners Night at The Santaland Diaries

Thursday, December 6 at 6:30pm

Playhouse Square

Image Source – facebook.com

Join Playhouse Square Partners as they attend the theatrical performance of David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries, the story of an out-of-work actor who takes a job as a Macy’s Christmas Elf. Tickets are $30 and include beer, wine, and light appetizers. This show is for mature elves only! Click here to purchase tickets.

White Christmas

Saturday, December 8 at 12pm

Cedar Lee Theatre

Image Source – twitter.com/cedarleetheatre

Head over to the Cedar Lee Theatre for a screening of this Bing Crosby holiday classic. Admission is $5 or 2 non-perishable food items, both to benefit the Cleveland Foodbank. You can purchase advance tickets online by clicking here or by taking your 2 non-perishable food items to the box office prior to the show.

John Carroll University Christmas Ale and Cookies

Wednesday, December 12 at 6pm

Panini’s Bar & Grill in Mayfield and Westlake

Image Source – jcu.edu

The John Carroll University Cleveland Alumni Chapter wants to celebrate the season with Cleveland-area JCU alums. Head to Panini’s in Mayfield or Westlake for food and fun. Cost to attend is $12, which gets you food, Christmas cookies, and one drink ticket. Attendees are also encouraged to bring new winter gloves, hats, etc. for donation to the JCU Labre Service Project. Click here to RSVP by December 8.

Ohio Blogging Association Holiday Party and Cookie Swap

Wednesday, December 12 at 6pm

Battery Park Wine Bar

Image Source – bigboldbeautifulfood.blogspot.com

Calling all bloggers and blog supporters to a fun evening of food, wine, conversation, and cookies! The Ohio Blogging Association is hosting its second annual holiday party and cookie swap at Battery Park Wine Bar. Happy hour menu will be available for the event, which includes $4 select beer and wine and discounted appetizers. If you want to participate in the cookie swap, bring 4 dozen cookies and a container to collect your treats to take home. For more details and to RSVP, click here.

Ale and Cookies and Ugly Sweaters

Monday, December 17 at 6pm

Bier Markt and Bar Cento

Image Souce – clevelandfoodbank.org

Join the Cleveland Foodbank’s YP Pantry group for some holiday merriment. From 6-9pm at Bier Markt and Bar Cento, just mention you’re with the YP Pantry and 15% of your tab will be donated to the Cleveland Foodbank. There will also be a canned goods collection, Christmas cookies to nibble, and a contest for the ugliest Christmas sweater. Click here to RSVP.

Stone Mad Chestnut Roasting Party

Monday, December 17 at 7pm

Stone Mad Pub

Image Source – unitedwaycleveland.org

Stop in at Stone Mad Pub for this yearly tradition, with live holiday music, carriage rides through Gordon Square, chestnuts roasted in the outdoor fireplace, and more festive fun.

Emerging Chefs Naughty Claus

Thursday, December 20 at 8pm

Speakeasy

Join Emerging Chefs and Chef Adam Lambert at Speakeasy for a unique holiday celebration. Chef Lambert will present five courses of naughty and nice treats, paired with holiday drinks. Put this event on your list and check it twice! Tickets are $60 and can be purchased by clicking here.

You can find more great holiday events on Positively Cleveland’s Guide to Celebrating the Season Locally and also find out about your chance to win a full-size leg lamp through their #HomeinCLE Instagram contest.

What holiday events in Cleveland will you be attending?

***Disclosure: I was asked by the Cleveland Botanical Garden and Emerging Chefs to help promote their events. In exchange, I will receive 2 complimentary tickets to Glow and one complimentary media pass to Naughty Claus. I am a board member for the John Carroll University Cleveland Alumni Chapter and the Cleveland Foodbank YP Pantry. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Holiday Shopping!

It’s beginning to look a lot like holiday shopping time. Stores are decorated, commercials for holiday deals are everywhere, and the over-achieving already-bought-gifts people are making me feel guilty. So, here’s a little holiday shopping guide to hopefully make your gift giving a bit easier:

For the Fashionista

Image Source – sophia-fashionista.blogspot.com

There are lots of great options, but ultimately you want something unique for the glamour queen in your life. Here are some places to check out:

Banyan Tree - Clothes, accessories, jewelry and more with a laid-back vibe, located in the heart of Tremont.

Yellowcake Shop -Designs from Cleveland’s own Project Runway diva, Valerie Mayen.

Room Service – Danielle DeBoe’s store features a collection of fun and whimsical apparel.

For the Homebody

Image Source – homedecorationdesigns.blogspot.com

For the person who needs or can never have enough art, vases, and various home accouterments, check these places out:

Wine and Design – From trinkets to furniture to artwork, this store has a little bit of everything. Plus, you can pick up a bottle (or a case) of wine while you’re at it!

DUOHOME – Much like Wine and Design, this shop has a little bit of everything, from knick knacks to furniture and lots in between.

Salty Not Sweet - From candles to cool art prints and more, this store has great gifts, with a very strong Cleveland theme.

For the Cleveland Lover

Image Source – midwestmoviemaker.com

Maybe you know a friend (or a blogger) who loves them some CLE and loves to show that love off. Shop for them at:

C.L.E. Clothing Co. – Everything you need to dress from head to toe in Cleveland gear, while reading a Cleveland book and looking at Cleveland artwork.

Fresh Brewed Tees – A great collection of Cleveland apparel, now with a store in South Park Mall.

For the Sweet Tooth

Image Source – armyspouseonline.com

Is there someone in your life who wants nothing more than a stocking filled with candy? Get them some of the best at these places:

Lilly Handmade Chocolates – Amazing truffles and barks in interesting and adventurous flavors, plus wine and craft beer.

Sweet Moses – Take a step back in time at this soda fountain and pick up a bag filled with delicious candies, popcorn, and baked goods (plus reward yourself with some ice cream while you’re there)!

Malley’s Chocolates - It’s a Cleveland institution for a reason: delicious candy! You’ll find lots of great gift box options here.

For the Wine and Beer Aficionado 

Image Source – wineclubreviewer.com

Shopping for the wine or beer snob in your life? Aside from some of the places already mentioned that carry wine and beer, also check out:

Rozi’s Wine House - A huge selection of wine and craft beer, plus liquors! Check out the gift baskets.

Vineyard’s Wine Merchant – Run by the nicest guy you’ll ever want to meet, with a story about every wine. Go on an evening when they have a tasting and discover a new favorite for yourself too!

The Wine Spot – Another great place to get both wine and craft beer.

For the Techie

Image Source – the40yroldtechie.blogspot.com

Need to buy for the person who has to have the latest technology? Head over to:

Microsoft Holiday Pop-Up Store – Located in Beachwood Place, this only-for-the-holidays shop makes Microsoft technology and service even easier to access.

Apple Store - With locations at Crocker Park and Legacy Village, you can get your iGifts on either side of town.

For the Athlete

Image Source – scientificamerican.com

For the person who will be working off the Christmas cookies before the last gift is opened, these stores have just what you need:

Lululemon Athletica – A wonderland of incredibly well-made clothes, catering largely to runners and yogis.

Athleta – Gap brand’s workout clothing store just opened in Beachwood, with a great mix of cute, comfy, and performance gear.

Second Sole – THE place for running shoes, with professional advice on finding the right pair. Also a great stop for workout apparel.

Where are your favorite spots for holiday shopping?

Why? Waverly Station!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Have you entered to win 2 tickets to the CCFA Movie Gala at the Capitol Theater? Click here to enter! Remember, you can tweet and share on Facebook once a day for additional entries.***

You’ve got to love when an entire neighborhood comes together to make a project successful. On Wednesday night, I attended the “Dusty Boot Tour” of the brand new Waverly Station Townhomes being built at the corner of West 57th and Bridge Avenue.

Phase 1, currently under construction and consisting of 6 townhomes is already sold out. Construction is starting soon on Phase 2, which will consist of 8 townhomes. All told, the development will ultimately have 22 units.

The townhomes have beautiful open floor plans and rooftop decks with great views of the city.

Plus, the development is eco-friendly and energy efficient, using some of the newest building materials available to ensure environmentally-friendly buildings.

After getting to walk through the new construction, a couple of Waverly Station’s neighbors treated us to some of the delicious food the area has to offer: hot dogs from Happy Dog and ice cream from Sweet Moses!

We also got to hear from Cleveland Ward 15 Councilman Matt Zone; Detroit Shoreway Executive Director Jeff Ramsey; Michael DeCesare, the builder for Waverly Station; and Scott Phillips from Keller Williams Realty, who is clearly doing their job and then some selling the Waverly Station townhomes.

Everyone who addressed the group that night talked about wanting to continue the revitalization of the neighborhood and how, with new developments like Waverly Station, the Gordon Square area is flourishing with restaurants, shops, theater, and young active residents.

There was a true sense of the community being behind the new Waverly Station development and it’s amazing to think that where a blighted, unused store once stood, 22 new townhomes will soon thrive. During his speech, Councilman Zone introduced us to the Simmons couple, who have lived in the neighborhood for 52 years.

They have seen a lot of changes and have consistently worked to improve and strengthen their community. If you’re in the market, Waverly Station looks to be a beautiful place to live. But even if you’re not, you have to appreciate what this development will add to the community and admire the true teamwork and support it receives.

***Disclosure: I was invited by Nadine at Keller Williams Realty to attend the Waverly Station Dusty Boot Tour. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? CCFA Movie Gala Giveaway!

Going to the movies used to be an event. People would dress up, the theaters were beautiful, and it was considered quite the evening on the town. The Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is bringing that feeling back with its Second Annual Movie Gala.

Image Source – online.ccfa.org

On Thursday, October 25 at 7pm, the classic Capitol Theater in Gordon Square will host this fun event, with tasty food provided by Luxe Kitchen and Lounge, beer and wine, a pop-up raffle, and your choice of classic film to watch. Dress for the evening is “Cocktail Attire,” allowing you to make an evening at the movies into something truly special with fancy clothes, food and adult beverages.

Proceeds from this event benefit the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, which works to improve the lives of those with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and to fund research to find cures for these conditions.

Image Source – ccfa.org

Tickets are $50 for general admission, which includes 2 drink tickets and a film ticket, or $100 for VIP admission, which includes open bar, a film ticket, and valet parking. You can purchase tickets by clicking here.

I’m also giving away 2 general admission tickets! Here’s how to enter (please leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry):

1. Leave a comment and tell me the first movie you remember seeing in the theater.

2. Tweet the following phrase and leave a comment letting me know you did: I’m ready for my close-up at the #CCFAneo Movie Gala with @WhyCLE and @CCFA: http://wp.me/p1fb9r-Zc

You can tweet once a day for additional entries. Just be sure to leave a separate comment each day.

3. Share this post (http://wp.me/p1fb9r-Zc) on your Facebook page and leave a comment letting me know you did. You can share once a day for additional entries. Just be sure to leave a separate comment each day.

The giveaway will close on Monday, October 8 at 11:59pm and the winner will be announced the following day. Good luck!

***Disclosure: I was asked by the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation to help promote the Movie Gala. In exchange, I will receive 2 general admission tickets for myself and 2 general admission tickets to give away. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Weekends!

It was a weekend full of sports, food, and friends, so let’s get right to it! On Friday night, I met up with other John Carroll alums to take in one last Indians game this season.

It was a pretty fall evening and made me wistfully remember the days of playoff baseball. Adding to that nostalgia was the fact that we were in the “1994 Suite,” with pictures of players like Kenny Lofton, Carlos Baerga, and Charlie Nagy lining the walls. It was a good game and a good time! It left me crossing my fingers for next year, as the Indians will always be my favorite Cleveland team.

Oh, and if you’re a John Carroll alum, the Cleveland Alumni Chapter has lots of fun events planned for the coming months (including Homecoming next weekend), so check it out!

Saturday morning, I joined Kimberly and Amanda at Nishkama Yoga for a Vinyasa flow taught by our lovely friend Alicia. If I thought practicing with your friends was awesome, being taught by one of them is even more so! The students were a mix of experience levels and Alicia did a wonderful job explaining the poses, spotting us for headstands, and generally making us feel centered. I can’t wait to take more classes with her!

That afternoon, I met up with most of the same cast of characters for the Playhouse Square Partners OSU/MSU Watch Party.

It was a fun party at The Blind Pig with beer and chicken wings, raffles and football squares, music, watching the game, and more.

I had to scoot out of the Partners event a bit early to head over to Spice Kitchen and Bar with Matthew for the Emerging Chefs Harvest Moon dinner. Chef Ben Bebenroth took the flavors of autumn and spun them into five courses of delicious food. And talk about fresh: most of the herbs used in our dishes were being picked as we were dining!

Our first course was a pink banana squash soup with apple creme fraiche.

The savory squash was balanced nicely by the sweet, bright apple. A perfect start to a fall-themed meal! This was Matthew’s favorite course of the night.

Our next course was a fall tomato salad with greens, feta, and sweet onions.

This was a deliciously fresh and light course. Each of our courses was also carefully paired with wine that complimented the flavors of the food.

Next up was crispy perch with slaw and ramp tartar sauce.

I wish all fish fries were this tasty! The breading was crisp and not at all greasy and the slaw added a great texture to each bite.

Then came my favorite course of the night: roasted pork loin with mushroom spaetzel and  Brussels sprouts.

I may have tried to lick the plate on this course. The jus was sensational, all the flavors came together perfectly, and the pork was moist and tender.

In between courses as we dined al fresco, Chef Bebenroth invited us back to take a peek at the kitchen, which was quite busy, as the restaurant was still serving diners as well as hosting the Emerging Chefs event.

Chef Bebenroth has plenty of experience with busy kitchens and tight spaces, though, from his work with Spice of Life Catering.

Our final course played to my favorite fall flavor, especially in desserts: apple. We enjoyed a bourbon apple cobbler with salted caramel ice cream.

A sweet end to a tasty and fresh fall meal! Definitely check out Spice Kitchen and Bar for fresh, seasonal food served by some of the nicest people you’ll meet. Also check out Emerging Chefs next event, The Roaring Twenties, happening on Sunday, October 28 at Crop Bistro and Bar.

While we loved everything we ate, the portions were small and the wine was plentiful, so Matthew and I headed across the street for some Happy Dog munchies and live music before heading home. All in all, it was another wonderful weekend in Cleveland! How was yours?

***Disclosure: I am a board member for the John Carroll University Cleveland Alumni Chapter. Also, I was invited to attend Emerging Chefs Harvest Moon with a single media pass. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Why? Emerging Chefs Fall Trio!

***A bit of blogkeeping: Have you entered to win 2 tickets to Taste of the Browns? Click here for more information and to enter the giveaway! Remember you can tweet once a day for additional entries.***

Don’t fret that summer is winding down, because Emerging Chefs are keeping the heat on into the fall! There are a trio of fall events planned to delight your tastebuds!

First up is Midnight Brunch on Friday, August 31.

Midnight Brunch will take place at the brand new The Black Pig in Ohio City and feature the culinary talents of Chef Michael Nowak. The event begins at 11pm and will feature savory and sweet brunch treats at a late-night hour, as well as drink pairings and music. This is sure to be one event worth staying up past your bedtime for! Tickets are $65.

Next up in the trio is Harvest Moon on Saturday, September 29.

Harvest Moon will celebrate the early fall harvest with seasonal delicacies whipped up by Chef Ben Bebenroth of Spice Kitchen & Bar. Weather-permitting, the event will take place on Spice’s patio under the Gordon Square stars. Tickets are $75 and include drink pairings with the courses.

Finally, the last event of this trifecta: The Roaring Twenties on Sunday, October 28.

Image Source – jazzagetots.tumblr.com

Chef Steve Schimoler will set the stage at the gorgeous Crop Bistro & Bar for a culinary three-act play, happening throughout the restaurant. The acts: The Speakeasy (featuring period cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and jazz); The Vault (featuring a five-course period dinner); and The Night Cap (featuring aperitifs and cigarette girls). It’s sure to be a one-of-a-kind evening! The party starts at 6pm, dress is black die, and tickets are $175.

This fall, no matter what your taste buds call you to, there’s an Emerging Chefs event to satisfy that call. Or check out the entire trio!

***Disclosure: I was invited by Emerging Chefs to attend Midnight Brunch with a single media pass. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***