Category Archives: drink

{Mar 11, 2013}
  1-tank trip : Columbus

This past weekend I had the opportunity to take a Saturday, 1-tank trip to Columbus. The skies were bright blue and while 71S was swarming with police cars we managed to make it there in just over two hours with no stops.

We arrived to a quiet Columbus starting our morning with breakfast at North Star Cafe on High Street. Not only was the breakfast yummy, the unlimited magazines and people watching was even better. After breakfast we headed to the new Rothko exhibit at the Columbus Museum of Art. It was awesome, a three room intensive on the life of the artist and how his works once more figurative morphed into intense color studies. Also along with the Rothko exhibit there is this fascinating exhibit of Czech puppets on display in the other galleries, almost as cool as Rothko, but also sorta creepy. You have to check it out! MORE! →

Posted on March 11, 2013 by charity
Posted in adventure, artists, arts, artwork, cities, city, drink, drive, eat, events, exhibit, explore, fashion, ohio, outside, shoes, shop, shopping, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

{Feb 5, 2013}
  Support OUR Market!

Morning CLE! It’s another wintery 2-sock day here and this week looks like it’s gonna keep coming; a perfect weekend to hit the slopes for sure!

I wanted to take today to chat about our amazing West Side Market and the recent fire tragedy. It was crazy, because while we usually do shop there pretty regularly the weekend prior to the outbreak we had made a special shopping excursion to find the perfect cut’s of beef, the most fresh mushrooms and an adorable bag of fresh pearl onions (no frozen ones for me) to make my first attempt at Julia Child”s boeuf bourguignon. The entire weekend was focused on this one recipe and the market vendors really added to the romance of the entire experience. Needless to say how sad I was when I hear the news of the fire, as many of us were…speechless.

Last weekend for the super bowl we would normally head to the market for chicken, cheese, perhaps a few pizza bagels? What were we going to do to continue the support of these area vendors? (Cue finding business card from the previous weekend shopping trip from Fricakaccios in my market shopping bag)

We were having a few people over to watch the big game and so rather than order pizza from our usual suspects we decided to try out our favorite pizza bagel stand and head to Fairview Park for Fricakaccios. Not only do they make the best pizza bagels in town, the make all sorts of pizza’s, special to-go options, Italian sandwiches and more. I mean check out the pic I snapped of what was a CHEESBURGER PIZZA! Sounds sorta weird; I know, but honestly I tried it and it was as good as your favorite patty melt served atop of some pizza dough. Bonus, the people at this location were so kind they even carried my order out to the car!

When asked about their market location, a little sadness fell over the team, it broke my heart. I explained that we had searched them out to do our part at supporting them as part of our market community; it brought back their Ohio-proud smiles.

This week there are many opportunities that you can get involved with to support the market and all the tried and true vendors. From the fundraiser at Market Garden Brewery tomorrow night, to the local musicians that will be performing Saturday at the Five O’Clock in Lakewood. Find your own  way to support those vendors who have been closed and without a paycheck during these cold Cleveland winter months. It’s the least we can do for our special place food memories are made. We HEART you West Side Market; get well soon.

(photo : amazing cheeseburger pizza, complete with pickles!)

Posted on February 5, 2013 by charity
Posted in chef, cooking, drink, eat, explore, farmers market, fun, fundraising, historic, independent, local, love, market, ohio, passion, shop, support, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

{Nov 1, 2012}
  Helvetica café : Lakewood

Morning CLE! Here’s to another chilly wet day in north east Ohio. Perfect excuse for that extra large latté, that big bowl of chili or something warm and scrumptious that you might not otherwise indulge in; heck going on day #6 of this weather…we all deserve a treat!

The other day during all this rain and nastiness I had the pleasure of checking out the new juice bar and cafe located on the east end of Lakewood – Helvetica. As a designer by day the swiss type reference intrigued myself and my colleagues enough to peel ourselves away from typical lunch “pinning” and venture out into the rain for a potential new lunch hot spot!

Helvetica exceeded our expectations all around. The menu of savory tacos, sweet crepes, tropical fruit juices and fair trade coffee was well priced and super satisfying. The service was friendly and really knowledgeable about all the unique fruity drinks on the menu (what’s a lulo fruit?) and last the space was a funky mix of design elements and coffee house cool including a small design reference library for all you typeface nerds like myself!

Check out their facebook page for daily specials. Stop by on your way downtown in the a.m. for coffee and a bit of bakery. Host your next committee meeting there for tacos. Support local!

Posted on November 1, 2012 by charity
Posted in coffee, drink, food, restaurant, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

{Nov 3, 2011}
  Ice cream & cocktails!

We have heard the buzz that Great Lakes Brewing Company and Mitchell’s Ice Cream were partnering for a new holiday flavor…a zero waste partnership per say…well, as of Tuesday, the new sweet treat is out. Get yourself a pint of the “Gingersnap Christmas Ale” creamy ice cream and a pint of the actual spicy alcoholic brew and kick of the holiday season Cleveland style!

If ice cream and beer aren’t your thing, you might be interested to know about my favorite libation at the new improved Crop Bistro, “Mr. Figgy!”  Their homemade fig infused Makers Mark, rhubarb bitters, fig reduction with a slice of sugar coated, bruléed bacon (making a perfect swizzle stick) is simply sweet and salty heaven. The new Crop is stunning, the drinks are stiff and the food is not only beautiful but yummy and unique. You’ve got to check it out!

Happy Thursday Cleveland. Cheers to a city filled with great food, sweets and cocktails for all!

Posted on November 3, 2011 by charity
Posted in adventure, creative, drink, eat, eating, flavor, food, restaurant | Leave a comment

{May 25, 2011}
  Summer yummies!

Morning CLEV! Only a few more work days until we embark on the first summer holiday weekend. Kicking off beach season at a warm & sunny 70 degrees!

Over the past few weeks I have had the privilege of attending two new food and spirits tastings/introductions.

The first was the opening of the rather new Washington Place patio. Owner Scott has cleaned it up, added some new landscaping and even carved out a special private table for those romantic outdoor evenings. That evening Scott and his team carved up a pig for the group to enjoy. I must admit that while I determined pig skin is not my thing, deviled eggs made with a touch of bacon fat was, super yummy! We all enjoyed the outdoor barbeque AND the new Washington Place patio. Great job Scott, thanks for introducing us to your new summer patio destination.

The next little delight I was introduced too was the new boutique spirit called Crav vodka (www.cravspirits.com)  Local entrepreneur Tom Rini (a St Ignatius Grad) shared his story or passion and the learning curve it took to get his own vodka up and running. He told us about the high-quality distillery process and what goes into starting your own vodka line. The tasting was held at Pier W (Love that place!) who’s mixologist whipped up a few lovely cocktails using the new Crav product. The vodka was clean and fresh, not bitter or rubbing alcohol like it could easily be sipped chilled. The vodka is slowly making it’s debut in area bars and restaurants including some of great places like Fahrenheit and Market. Next time you order your summer vodka tonic, specify Crav in your cocktail. Good luck Tom and thank you for having us!

Posted on May 25, 2011 by charity
Posted in bar, chef, drink, entrepreneurs, explore, outdoor, restaurant, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

{May 10, 2011}
  beer on tap – giveaway

Hello Cleveland, happy Tuesday to each of you. Isn’t this weather divine? A wonderful past weekend of riding bikes, patios and sunshine makes me a super happy CLE-camper. I even switched over my closet from winter blacks and greys to more pattern and vibrancy…summer is when my closet comes to life, another reason to be happy…flip flops, I digress.

Do you like beer? Well, you are in luck because I have a pair of general admission tickets (valued at $90!) to the IX International Beer Festival happening THIS WEEKEND at the IX Center. I am way more a wine drinker (mostly reds) but I am a sucker for a good light wheat ale, a Corona on a beach or the seasonal brews, especially at Christmas time…you know what I’m talking about. :)

The ticket includes admission to selected entry sessions, unlimited tastings, a special tasting cup and special demos and educational sessions on everything BEER! Tell me which brewery you’d like to sample and a random winner will be drawn this Friday by noon. Good luck and happy hops to all.

Posted on May 10, 2011 by charity
Posted in adventure, beer, blog, blogs, drink, eat, event, explore, fair | 24 Comments

{Apr 25, 2011}
  market under glass giveaway!

Morning Cleveland. A cute rain coat, some sassy wellies and perhaps a bubble-like umbrella should make this weeks forecast of rain, rain, and more rain a tiny bit more fabulous.

Again, another great week in our dear city, including this Thursday’s 16th Annual Market Under Glass event. Filled with unlimited food and drink, this event is the largest fundraiser for Harvest for Hunger.

I went last year (I passed out adorable apps made by Three Birds) and the fundraiser was more fun than I could have ever imagined. Tons of people, great food, decadent desserts…it was over the top amazing. Everyone should get their ticket and meet me there this year!

Speaking of tickets, I have a pair to give one lucky winner (tomorrow…TUESDAY) valued at $170 for the pair. To win, leave me your name and email, winner will be drawn at random.

Posted on April 25, 2011 by charity
Posted in cleveland, community, drink, eat, event, giveaway, non profit | 41 Comments

{Apr 18, 2011}
  FREE SAKE & art

Good morning Cleveland, How were your weekends? Mine was great, overall pretty quiet but with a few fun events (VTR, Indians & Estate Sales) sprinkled here and there it made for another fun weekend in our lovely city!

If you got to attend TEDxCLE on Friday you probably spent the weekend thinking “what’s next?” What new business will I start? What type of technology or creative idea will happen next? Who will be the next leader of our community? So many fun questions that sparked conversations. Thanks Hallie & Eric, you guys are a welcome asset to Cleveland.

This Friday the Cleveland Museum of Art is hosting it’s first ever Nihonshu Night (nee-hon-shoe, means Japanese sake). An evening for young professionals that celebrates the museums current exhibition, The Lure of Painted Pottery : Japanese & Korean Art. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample various sakes and indulge in many food samples. Take a look at the art, sample the cuisine and meet a new friend or two. Sounds like a great Friday night to me!

Would you like a pair of tickets? I have a pair to give away and they could be yours. To win, tell me about your favorite piece of art. I don’t care about whether or not it’s here in Cleveland, or if your 3 year old drew it, just tell me a little something about YOU! Winner will be chosen by random.org this Thursday, April 20th. Good luck!

Posted on April 18, 2011 by charity
Posted in art, drink, event, explore | 10 Comments

{Mar 28, 2011}
  Sweet Moses Monday

Happy Sweet Moses Monday!

Were you able to get out this weekend and enjoy the latest and greatest sweet shop that Cleveland has to offer? Let me tell you, I was able to taste test a few of the perfect little treats a few weekends ago and I am still having visions and dreams of Sweet Moses dancing in my head.

Caramel popcorn, bacon & peanut butter sandwich, a sweet strawberry phosphate soda delight and to top it off a simple bowl of the most refreshing, chocolatey mint ice cream, it was a decadent afternoon of sugar-filled happiness.

This new eatery is going to be my summer go-to, I can just feel it. With a quick hop on my bicycle, a snap to my helmet and a handful of “moses money” (stop in to buy their adorable wooden coins to use for purchase) the warm summer nights will be soothed by the fresh ice cream (including Belgian Chocolate & Bananas Foster) and dark chocolate pretzel “bark.”

Owner Jeff and his family have poured hours of love and history into this new city treasure. The interiors boast a historic marble fountain counter, the simple wire parlor chairs compliment the wooden booths of the party room and with no detail left untouched the register shines a vintage golden hue.

Make your plans to visit Sweet Moses ASAP, I promise you will be overjoyed with the details of every sweet sundae, with the charming interiors and most of all…that we can say, Sweet Moses (Cleveland) is open and ready for your visit.

Posted on March 28, 2011 by charity
Posted in amazing, drink, eat, food, new, opening, restaurant, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

{Nov 18, 2010}
  New Wine Bar!

When you are with a close friend do you ever wish the conversation and the time spent together would never end? I do. Sometimes I sit back and realize that I’m growing older, (perhaps because my birthday is looming)  and that we are ALL growing older together and what makes life so precious is the good relationships we make while we are around…Is that me or the wine talking? :)

The other night myself and one of my closest friends had the opportunity to visit the newly opened Battery Park Wine Bar and let me just say, it’s AMAZING. Everything from the adorable retail wine “boutique” in the front of the space (I’m thinking it will be my place to go for that emergency-snow-must-have-a-bottle-of-wine-run) to the beautiful wood bar made from repurposed local timbers, no details has been overlooked.

I’m actually looking forward to going back to try out their yummy menu, it seriously looked wonderful, the perfect pairing to add to any wine drinking evening out type of munchies.

I guess the only bone I have to pick with them is this whole “Y.O.L.O.” thing? (on their menus, mailers, etc.) As a designer and brand consultant I think they are having a bit of new business identity crisis.

“The name of the restaurant is called The Battery Park Wine Bar, but we wanted to call it YOLO, but we couldn’t name it that because someone else has that name” they explained to us.

“What does “YOLO stand for?”  “You Only Live Once!” I smiled and agreed that YOLO is a wonderful wine bar concept, however my professional experience and opinion must kick in on this one… moving forward, I will be referring to the bar as “The Battery Park Wine Bar; where you only live once.” (rolls right off your tongue like…sorta like a Pinot)

The interior still has the smell of new construction, but the warmth of the bricks and the charming employees made it seem like this establishment has been there for years and years. This weekend grab a group and go explore this new find…located under the Battery Park smoke stack.

Posted on November 18, 2010 by charity
Posted in drink, eat, eating, explore, food, neighborhood, new, restaurant, retail, wine | 1 Comment