I (less-than-three) CLE

<3

I really am very glad that I moved here, and I can't believe that it's actually been nearly two years since I did so.

There have been some life events that have prevented me from updating lately, Jeff had a cycling accident three weeks ago where he ended up fracturing his hip. He had surgery and is now on the mend. He's on crutches and has been home for a couple of weeks. We aren't going out as often, but it's not going to stop us from getting around.

There are so many reasons I'm in love with the 216, and I talked about some of those (food related) reasons in my last entry. Cleveland is a fantastic place to find good food, but there's a lot more to our fair city. Many of you probably already know about the things I'm going to touch on today, but I hope that this will open up discussion amongst my readers. I'm not really a Cleveland newbie anymore, but I'm also a little partial to the East side. I have a feeling that there's so much more to love about CLE.

Terra Verde Soap Co. - They do for soap what Michael Symon does for pork. They take a simple thing that has been around for ages and make it scrumptious (please, do not eat the soap!). I discovered them for myself at the Bizarre Bazaar last Christmas. I have a love for all things soapy anyway (see Lush), but absolutely loved the Grass/Pumice soap. We also picked up some solid perfumes and candles as gifts for others. You can find TVSC at their Etsy shop, and at Salty not Sweet in Waterloo (yet another place I love here!). Last year they had candles poured into bottles of Christmas Ale, but they went quickly!

Little Italy - I live here. Perhaps then, I'm a little biased. But between the restaurants, the galleries and the PEOPLE - this is a wonderful place to be, on a temporary or permanent basis. The people in my community came to Jeff's aid when he fell at Murray Hill and Random Road. Councilman Kevin Conwell personally called EMS, and Fabio from Gusto found our house and alerted me that Jeff was injured. People who didn't know him came and brought him water, lifted him and carried him out of the street and waited with him until the ambulance took us to UH. People at the Alta House held his bicycle safely until we could be home to retrieve it. The Cipullo Bocce Tournament is coming in July, and the Alta House is raffling off a lease on a new car or a 7,000 dollar cash prize. All proceeds benefit the Alta House. Sure, I have the trains to lull me to sleep, but I also relish the sound of bocce balls colliding in the evening.

Music Saves - Everyone should know about this place, and if you don't - consider yourself informed and get over there. Instrumental in the vinyl resurgence in Cleveland, Music Saves is a great store for your vinyl, and non-vinyl musical needs. They also carry locally made jewelery, and clothing. They may still have some limited edition CLE Clothing Co. shirts. I picked up one a while back and I always get comments at the gym when I wear it. (About the shirt!)

Beachland Ballroom - I love the Ballroom/Tavern for a lot of reasons. They hosted my cousin's first gig in Cleveland (if you missed it, you should check her out) and are by far my favorite music venue in Cleveland overall. I love the brunches, especially when Tom and Leia are working - and I can't wait to get to one of the barn dances.

Speaking of Tom and Leia, I also love the Afternoon Naps!

This really just scratches the surface. I'd like to hear from my readers, though - what else do you love about Cleveland? This can include places to eat, of course!

On a personal note, I completed 27 miles in the Sunday in June bicycle tour in Burton today. I planned on 50 but as it turns out, I don't really care for a soggy chamois when I'm riding!

Naps and Dogs

I wasn't really into the local music scene when I lived in Columbus, and I hadn't really even heard of half of the bands I currently listen to. Over the series of several shows however, I have become friends with Leia Hohenfeld, singer/keyboardist of Afternoon Naps.

Afternoon Naps, the "Too Twee to live in this world" band hailing from Cleveland, Ohio plays happy, upbeat music that you can't help but (at the very least) bounce around to, in a way reminiscent of the awkward "dancing" at a middle school dance. They're awesome. Leia and Co. may have served you brunch at the Beachland Ballroom, but if you've never seen them play, you're missing out.

I got to have my first Afternoon Naps full show experience and hot dogs from Happy Dog on Friday. Let me say that it was very packed. We didn't get to sit down for a while, but once I got past the hunger pangs I was okay! A packed restaurant usually means that the food is good and also that people are there to listen to some great local music. I am not sure who the guy was that covered Cherub Rock, but it was unforgivable! The Naps had some sound issues at first, but played a very nice set.

The hot dogs were very tasty, and very large. I loved the toppings though one of the dogs was completely missing one of the toppings I had requested. Overall, I'd say they did pretty well with such a packed house, but I did miss the kimchi. Columbus has a similar place called Dirty Frank's which I have to admit, I like a little better. The hot dogs are a little smaller and the topping list isn't quite as vast, but what they do have is great (check out the Cowboy Curtis). I can't help but be a little biased towards a place that serves Jeni's ice cream, anyway! (That reminds me, I'd like to make it to Bar Cento sometime...).

Happy Dog gives you unlimited dipping sauces with your fries or tater tots. The grape jelly chile sauce and the chimichurri were amazing. We'd like to go back when it's not packed quite as badly. It was an interesting scene, to be sure. My first reaction, admittedly was to send a text message to a good friend that read; "Trapped in hipster bar, send help!". I'm glad we went though, for the music and the food.