Planet NEO

I'm not a believer in chain restaurants, especially in Youngstown. There are so many mom-and-pop family restaurants in Youngstown that you don't even need chains; they can't compete. The pizza industry is an excellent example. With little exception, there are no chain pizza restaurants in the city. Pizza Hut, Papa Johns and Dominos were run out of town by Tomasino's, Inner Circle, Uptown, the

by Youngstown Pride at5:06 PM under restaurant

Chef's Widow

Patrick is Oh So Juicy

And this is why Bar Cento rocks.

by chefswidow at8:18 PM under bar cento, restaurant, restaurants (Comments)

i heart cleveland

A Dinner Date

Fridays through August

"Date Night In the District" is the special promotion that's running in Cleveland's historic Warehouse District every Friday night through August. Restaurants - including Blue Point Grille, Brasa Grill, Cleveland Chophouse & Brewery, Crop Bistro & Bar (fresh & yummy!), D'Vine Wine Bar, Johnny's Downtown (fun & fancy!), John Q's Steakhouse, Mallorca, Nauti Mermaid (when you are feeling like a sailor), Sushi Rock, Waterstreet Grill and XO Prime Steaks -are each offering prix-fixe dinner-for-two promos.

Participating restaurants will offer at least one three-course prix-fixe menu throughout the promotion. Prices will range between $39 and $99 per couple. Number of courses and other details may differ, and prices typically will not include tax and tip. Find most of the menus and complete details on www.datenightinthedistrict.org

by Charity at10:58 AM under drink, event, food, restaurant, sale

i heart cleveland

Luxe on Detroit

As we approached the Marlin Kaplan's newest restaurant; Luxe, we could feel we were in for a treat. The warm glow from opulent indoor chandeliers reflected onto the street sidewalks and the smell of good food wafted out the front door.

We were seated in the main dining room (you can eat in the bar too...next time) near the old bank vault that had been converted into a wine cellar and the kitchen's glass doors put the chefs and cooks in our full view. The eclectic use of mismatched vintage plates, glasses and silver wear were a pleasant surprise...just like eating at home.

As we inhaled our salads, gnocchi and steak we enjoyed the interesting array of guests that surrounded our table. the people watching was just as yummy as the food itself. The prices were super reasonable and the portions perfect. Next time you are in the mood for trying something new, head downtown to Luxe.

6605 Detroit Ave. Cleveland, OH. For reservation call 216.920.0600 or visit www.luxecleveland.blogspot.com

by Charity at2:53 PM under drink, eco, food, restaurant

Free and Cheap Stuff

free and cheap stuff

Free Float day at A+W restaurants

Free June 16th from 2 to 8PM, get a free ice cream float at your nearest A+W restaurant. They are calling it their Free Float Day. There is no word on their website yet. I am sure they will be talking about it soon. The store locator for A+W is here.

by Jim at1:06 PM under a+w, float, free, ice cream, restaurant

i heart cleveland

On the Rise!

As you enter this bright and cheery bakery your senses will immediately come to life. The warm sweet smells, the soft sounds of mixers and the visual delights all laid out and ready for you to explore.

I have enjoyed every muffin, cookie, scone and bread I have ever bought at On the Rise Bakery in Cleveland Heights a tiny and quaint neighborhood bakery. They offer delicious treats including scones, cookies, fruit brownies, rustic tarts, croissants and granola as well as a plethora of house baked bread options. On the list is everything from rustic Italian breads like Pave to classic French baguettes. For something a little more adventurous, try the olive loaf or the sunflower shaped loaf crusted with sesame seeds. They also serve coffees and have a few tables for sitting. This summer, perhaps early on a Sunday morning, grab your paper or favorite book and head East to On The Rise!

3471 Fairmount Blvd Cleveland, OH 44118 216.320.9923

by Charity at9:41 AM under bakery, beauty, drink, explore, food, restaurant

Free and Cheap Stuff

free and cheap stuff

Free Ice Cream and Free Cheeseburger Slammer

Free Hey gang, I wish people would tell me about these things. First up, Free ice cream on June 7th from noon to 5pm at Friendly's. They are advertising their free ice cream palooza. I found this in a J B Dollar stretcher magazine. Their website to find a store near you is at: http://friendlys.com/locations/index.aspx Second item, A Free Cheeseburger Slammer at BW3 Tomorrow June 2nd from 9PM

by Jim at5:42 PM under bw3, cheeseburger, free, friendly's, ice cream, restaurant, slammer

i heart cleveland

another BEST Sandwich

In this months Esquire Magazine they reported another "BEST Sandwich in America" resides in Lakewood, OH.

A grilled cheddar-cheese sandwich with potato-and-cheese pierogies, napa-vodka sauerkraut and onion.....called the Parmageddon is a masterpiece of Melt Bar & Grill.

As summer rears it's little head get to "The Melt" early for a seat on their patio, but more importantly for one of the many grilled cheese masterpieces! To see the entire menu visit www.meltbarandgrilled.com

by Charity at10:17 AM under food, restaurant

i heart cleveland

Silver Spoons (5/15)

Thursday, May 15th, 2008

Don't miss one of Cleveland’s most premier and highly anticipated events, the 14th Annual Cleveland Magazine Silver Spoon Awards Party, featuring over 20 of Northeast Ohio's Silver Spoon award-winning restaurants. Proceeds will benefit the Arthritis Foundation of Northeast Ohio.

> Sample cuisine from over 20 Silver Spoon award-winning restaurants, as featured in the May issue of Cleveland Magazine.
> International vintners pour several of the most delicious wines in the world.
> Spectacular silent auction items, including a hot air ballon ride for two and a stay in a 10,000 sq/ft tropical Mexican Villa that sleeps 12 and includes a pool and full servant service.
> The Private VIP Martini Lounge will be separate from the main event with a unique “see and be seen” vibe. The swanky space will feature signature Ketel One pomegranate and espresso martinis, live jazz entertainment and exclusive cuisine, all of which can be experienced only in this area of the party.

6-9 p.m. InterContinental Hotel 9801 Carnegie Ave., Downtown Cleveland.
For more information visit www.clevelandmagazine.com/ME2/Sites/Default.asp

by Charity at11:22 AM under awards, drink, event, food, music, recipe, restaurant

i heart cleveland

Free ICED coffee! (5/15)

Thursday, May 15th 2008

Tomorrow is free iced coffee day at Dunkin Donuts, although it may be a bit chilly for "iced," (hi of 60 this weekend) wear your sweater and don't miss out!

Between 10-10. Enjoy! www.dunkindonuts.com

by Charity at1:23 PM under drink, event, food, free, restaurant

Behind The Lens

David Lay Behind The Lens

Melt, Observed

My article about Melt (as I wrote about here ) is in this week’s issue of the Lakewood Observer. You can download a PDF copy of the issue here.

[where: 44107]

by dlayphoto at9:36 AM under article, cleveland, lakewood, lakewood observer, melt bar and grilled, news, newspaper, ohio, parmageddon, pdf, photojournalism, restaurant (Comments)

i heart cleveland

Sweets on the Hill

A trip to Presti's Bakery in Little Italy was such a great way to kick off the weekend. From the artichoke pizza to the Italian cheesecake, the evening was filled with great sweets and even better cappuccino.

In 1903 Rose and Charles Presti Sr. opened Presti’s Bakery. As the business grew so did their family. In 1918, Charles Presti Jr. was born. He worked at the bakery from a young age, learning the trade from his parents. The bakery moved location a number of times before settling into the heart of Cleveland’s Little Italy on Mayfield Rd. in 1943.

At this time, Presti’s Bakery remains an integral part of Cleveland’s Little Italy. Michael, is the pastry chef and the fourth generation working at the bakery. They still use only the freshest ingredients with no preservatives to produce fine quality baked goods. Still made by hand with the same recipes and techniques originally created by Rose Presti.

Next time you feel like a cannoli or gelato...head east to Presti's (www.prestisbakery.com). 12101 Mayfield Rd. Cleveland, OH 216.421.3060

by Charity at4:50 PM under bakery, explore, food, history, restaurant

i heart cleveland

Apology PIzza (5/08)

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

In case you haven't heard by now....Papa John’s Pizza issued an apology to Cleveland and the Cavaliers for making T-shirts with LeBron James’ number and the word “crybaby” under it.

To apologize, Papa John’s will sell Cleveland residents a large, one-topping pizza for 23 cents TODAY. The 23 is an homage to James’ jersey number. The company also will donate $10,000 to the Cavaliers Youth Fund. The pizza chain’s T-shirts were featured during the Cavs’ games against the Wizards on Friday in Washington. Wizards fans taunted the Cavs, who won the payoff series that night in Game 6.

If you are still steamed by the t-shirt controversy...make sure to pay for that pie in all pennies! :)

by Charity at10:11 AM under athletics, food, free, restaurant, sale

Behind The Lens

David Lay Behind The Lens

Parmageddon It

Photo: The Parmageddon. Potato & cheese pierogies, grilled onions, and slabs of cheddar sandwiched between two huge slices of bread. Sinfully delicious.

This morning, I paid Melt Bar And Grilled a visit, as part of an article I’m writing for the Lakewood Observer. You can view the article here (Melt, Observed) or download the Lakewood Observer issue PDF.

Melt is featured in the May 2008 issue of Esquire’s “The Best Sandwiches In America“.

Owner/chef Matt Fish is a really nice guy, really dedicated to what he does, and it shines in his food. The cuisine is extremely unique, delicious and belly-busting at the same time.

People like Matt, and restaurants like Melt, truly are gems here in Cleveland.

(+10pts if you got the Def Leppard reference.)

[where: 14718 Detroit Ave, Lakewood OH 44107]

by dlayphoto at10:43 PM under chef, comfort food, food, food porn, grilled cheese, melt, melt bar and grilled, parmageddon, pierogies, restaurant, sandwich (Comments)

i heart cleveland

Celebrate Cinco (5/05)

Monday, May 5th, 2008

Olé! Happy Cinco de Mayo! (Spanish for "5th of May") The holiday commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The date is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. A common misconception is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day; Mexico's Independence Day is actually September 16 (dieciséis de septiembre in Spanish), which is the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico.

Although today is THE day to celebrate...there are so many great Mexican food choices around town, you should take the week and celebrate.

Nuevo Acapulco (www.nuevoacapulco.com)
Winner of the 2003 Best Margaritas by Citysearch of Cleveland, this local watering hole will be open late tonight to handle the festivities. With specials on drinks, including the Mango Scarlet Orange Margarita, it is sure to be a wild fiesta. Personally, I love the classic Mexican breakfast, Huevos Rancheros! Get there early, happy hour is from 4-7pm.

Villa y Zapata (www.villayzapata.com)
Looking to explore the heart of the city, visit this authentic family-owned eatery. The margaritas are bright green and the salsa is hot! Scene Magazine has voted them Best Chiles Rellenos in town, so go and try. There might be a line, but the parking lot is always buzzing with folks, great for people watching!

Luchitas (www.luchita.com)
In 1981, Luchita Galindo decided to follow her dream of opening her own business. After years of hard work and perseverance, she and her son Jorge Galindo opened the doors to a small Mexican restaurant on the Westside of Cleveland; their restaurant is Luchita’s Mexican Restaurant. Now with multiple locations around Northeast Ohio, this Mexican favorite will be hopping all week.

El Tango Taqueria
Hungry people, looking to celebrate take note- the food here is tasty, affordable and authentic. Large flour-tortilla burritos are stuffed with choice of meat, chicken, pork, fish or veggies. There's delicious tamale pie con pollo, a daily soup and specials. The wholesome chicken-lime-veggie soup is a meal in itself. BYOB! Located next door to Lakewood High School Field on Madison Ave.

Paladar Kitchen (www.paladarlatinkitchen.com)
The happy hour is offered from 4-7pm in the bar area. Choose from $5 Mojitos & Margaritas, $3 Latin Beer Specials and happy hour portions for under $5. Viva Paladar!

Chipoltle (www.chipotle.com)
For those of us on the run, pull up to your local Chipotle for chips, guac and a corona, or two!

If you have a favorite that I have missed, please feel free to post and spread the word.

by Charity at10:12 AM under drink, event, food, history, holiday, restaurant

i heart cleveland

31 Cent Scoop (4/30)

Wednesday April 30th, 2008

Get your spring ice cream craving cured and bring your friends...Baskin-Robbins® is hosting 31 Cent Scoop Night in honor of America’s firefighters. Participating stores will reduce prices of small ice cream scoops to 31 cents. At some locations, you may also have an opportunity to make a donation to your local fire charities.

For more information and to find your closest location, visit www.baskinrobbins.com

by Charity at10:42 AM under event, families, food, non profit, restaurant, sale

i heart cleveland

Farmers Ball (4/28)

Monday, April 28th, 2008

All are welcome at tonight's North Union Farmers Market Let's Get Fresh Spring Benefit. The North Union Farmers Market is a non-profit community organization that operates and promotes farmers' markets in the greater Cleveland area. The markets sell only food and products grown and produced by local farmers and artisans.

The benefit hosted by ETON Chagrin Boulevard (West Entrance) will feature a feast from dozens of top local chefs, wine and beer stations, musical entertainment by Grupo Brazil and a silent auction. Festivities kick off at 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $80

For more Information call (216) 751-7695 or visit www.NorthUnionFarmersMarket.org

by Charity at10:19 AM under benefit, drink, event, food, gardening, networking, restaurant

i heart cleveland

Triple SNOOP! (4/26)

Saturday, April 26th, 2008

Get together with other preservation-minded individuals from around northeastern Ohio. Go “behind the scenes” and enter doors to landmarks not typically accessible to the public. Join the group and go on the "Triple SNOOP!"

Here’s how it works:

Act 1 - At 11:00 a.m. CRS members will get a private hard hat tour of the renovations currently underway at the Hanna Theatre, future home of the Great Lakes Theater Festival.

Act 2 - SNOOPing! can work up quite an appetite, so lunch at noon will be right on time! Discover Bricco, one of the newest stars of playhouse square, featuring a refreshing variety of salads, pizzas, sandwiches and pastas and an impressive wine list in a fun casual atmosphere.

Act 3 - Round out the afternoon with a 1:30 p.m. matinee of the Crucible, Arthur Miller’s timeless tale of truth on trial. This American drama tells the story of a religious community in Salem Massachusetts in 1692 that is nearly torn apart by personal spite, mass hysteria and a relentless witch hunt.

Swing by for just the Hanna Theatre tour or the entire afternoon; its up to you!
Playhouse Square, Cleveland 11:00 a.m. Tour is FREE, optional meal and show are $40 per person. You must be a member to attend. Not yet a member? Join at the special price of $15 and you too can SNOOP! www.clevelandrestoration.org

by Charity at10:12 AM under antiques, architecture, event, families, food, free, restaurant, theatre, vintage