CLE Eats: Merwin's Wharf

Nick and I LUUUUURVE brunch, and we're always looking for new brunch spots to try. And this Sunday, we took our inaugural brunch visit to Merwin's Wharf. Owned by the Cleveland Metroparks, Merwin's Wharf is located right on the water in the west bank of the Flats. The restaurant's walls are garage doors, so on a beautiful sunny day, you feel like you're outside even when you're not.

Nick ordered the southwest bloody mary-- piled high with meats and cheese on a stick, this was a really good bloody mary. Not too fancy, but the right mix of salt and spice. I ordered a moscow mule--- I know, not a traditional choice, but I wanted something citrusy. For brunch, I ordered the standard breakfast--- I always judge brunch spots by how well they can execute eggs, and my over easy eggs were perfectly cooked. Nick ordered the biscuits and gravy, and they were absolutely delicious!

After brunch, we walked around with our drinks outside, taking in the view. I could see myself spending the whole day there-- you can even play outdoor jenga or corn hole if you feel like it, or lounge on patio furniture and watch the boats go by. Oh, did I mention that Merwin's Wharf is dog friendly on the patio?

Overall, a great experience, and one that I'm looking forward to experiencing again. Good food, great views, super friendly service-- what more can you possibly need on a Sunday Funday?

Solving a Mystery

Its been about six weeks since we brought Webster home, and here's what we know about him:

1. He LOVES Clair. She is his favorite

2. He LOVES tennis balls. LOVES LOVE LOVES them

3. He's obsessed with smart toys (the dog toys that are rabbits in a hat, turtles in the mama turtle's shell, etc.)

4. He LOVES doggie daycare at The Mutt Hutt

5. He is SUPER snuggly when he's sleepy

But until last Friday, we had one unsolved mystery: WHAT was he mixed with?! We knew he had a lot of boxer--- he boxes. A lot. And he has a lot of other boxer traits, but his nose isn't all smushy like Clair's. We had a few guesses-- German Shepher, Rottweiler, Mastiff, Lab… but there was only one way to be sure…. a doggie DNA test was necessary. So, I did some research and ordered the most popular doggie DNA test, the Wisdom Panel.

For $84.99, they mail you a DNA kit. You swab the inside of your dog's mouth with two different swabs, and you have to be careful to not touch it to any other surfaces. The package itself has holders to help. You let the swabs dry for a couple of minutes, and in the mean time, register your DNA kit. When you're done, you put the swabs in the pre-paid package, and stick it in the mail. Really easy directions, you really can't mess it up. 

Wisdom Panel will then email you when they receive your package. They tell you the complete test will take 2-3 weeks, but in our case, it took just about one. 

And this past Friday, we finally solved our mystery. Our silly puppy is mostly boxer as we suspected, but the second most identifiable DNA is that of Australian Cattle Dog! Definitely explains why he's so active, and why he loves all those smart toys. 

Now, we just have to figure out how big he he's going to get! 

P.S. I post regular pictures of him and Clair on Instagram, so if you would like to see more, follow me there! 

Since I Last Saw You

... I've had a mixed weekend. Some really fun stuff, some relaxation, all good!

Friday, N and I made our way over to the Goodtime III for the Third Annual Roar Along The Shore. We've gone each year since its inception, and each year, it just gets bigger and bigger! The line up of bands was absolutely the best so far, and everyone seemed to be having a really fun time; a testament to Danielle's abilities as a kick-ass party planner!!

Saturday was really low key: Otto had surgery to remove a small tumor on his back. While he's going to be just fine, I was feeling exceptionally maternal so besides a morning walk with Clair, we stayed home and mostly cuddled the pups.

My favorite spot at Edgewater Park! 

Sunday, believe it or not, I did not partake in anything Cleveland Browns. And I can't say I was unhappy about it because I used the time to get ready for this week. 

This evening, Nick and I made the impromptu decision to take Otto and Clair to Puppypalooza. The Cleveland Indians started this summertime tradition a few years ago, and I absolutely LUUUURRVVEEE this event! It raises money for a great cause, and really, what can be better than catching a baseball game with your best friend right by your side?! It was like a mini boxer-party tonight; there were seriously boxers EVERYWHERE! Clair is probably going to end up on local TV because she walked right up to a camera man and stuck her muzzle RIGHT into this camera! 

A great start to the week so far, and its only going to get better!!

A lovely first weekend back

So I got back from India last Saturday with a nasty, nasty cold. That combined with jet-lag, and I wasn't in the mood for much last week. Of course, I HAD to make up for it this weekend, and what a great weekend it was!

Friday evening, N and I joined Sarabot, AJP, JV, Lara, Jon, and Alex to celebrate Sarabot's birthday with the Indians game and the return of Thome!! Now I wasn't here in '95, so the significance was lost on me, but it was was great time either way!

JV and Sarabot

N and I 

I love this pic!! 

The Tribe won, and N and I ended the night with some wine and late evening munchies at Greenhouse Tavern. Incidentally, the very last item on Greenhouse's dinner menu is something called Kitchen Coffee, where you essentially buy the kitchen a round of after-service canned beer-- a great little way to directly thank the kitchen staff that cook up with the deliciousness that is Greenhouse!!

Saturday morning started with an early morning spin class, a haircut, and then HOURS of yard work. I really hate yard work, especially weeding. BLECH! A short nap and long walk with the dogs followed, and then N and I scooted over to Luxe to enjoy the gorgeous weather while getting some dinner. It was an absolutely beautiful evening, although for some reason, there were an exceptional number of 15-50's in attendance that evening. Must have been the weather... Anyway, we had plans to meet friends at Market Garden later, but oops! we fell asleep on the couch cuddling the pups!!!

Sunday, clefoodgoddess and I took the furries for a nice long walk in the Metroparks. We explored a part of the Rocky River Reservation that neither of us had visited before, and had a great time with the pups, until I was violently assaulted by a bunch of mosquitoes. Seriously, they bit my EYELIDS!! And of course, I'm super sensitive to mosquito bites and ended up with giant swollen eyelids, and huge welts on my face and my arms, and even my back!! Stupid bugs bit me through my clothing!!! THIS IS WHY I DON'T CAMP, PEOPLE!! That and the whole lack of electricity and running water. I'm a city girl through and through. We followed up our walk with a lovely little dog-friendly brunch at the Wine Bar in Rocky River. If you haven't tried this spot for brunch yet, I highly recommend it. The food is very good, and very reasonably priced, and best of all, your well-behaved, leashed dog is welcome to join you on the patio!! The rest of the day was pretty low key, and then before I knew it, it was all over!!

Lucky for me, I have a 4 day week followed by a 4-day weekend!! And even though this means summer is ending, I think I'm really ready for fall!!

Art and Puppies: The Crocker Bark Festival

This weekend, I will be out at Crocker Park, supporting a cause very near to my heart: shelter dog adoption! Specifically, N and I will be chaperoning a pup each for Secondhand Mutts at the Crocker Bark Rescue and Adoption Event!

This is quite the unique event, pairing Art and Dog Rescue, and will feature over 130 artists and over 10 animal rescues!! The Art will feature jewelry, ceramics, photography, painting, leather and more, and the rescues will include G.R.I.N, Love a Stray, Fido's Companion, Rowdy to the Rescue, North Coast Greyhound Connection, Wiggle Butts Bully Rescue, Erie Shores, Cleveland APL, Friendship APL and of course, Secondhand Mutts!!!

The Secondhand Mutts booth will be located right in front of the Apple Store/DSW, so you always say hello to some pups, maybe even fall in LLLUUURRRVVEEE with one of them, buy some shoes, maybe an iPad... you know....  Anyway, the event runs from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm both Saturday and Sunday; N and I will be chaperoning our pups from 10:00am- noon on Saturday!! Hope to see you there!!

Valentine's Day

Are you pro- or anti- Valentine's day? I used to be indifferent, but this year, I'm SUPER pro, but its not for the reason you might think.

Its this little girl's first birthday!!! This year I'm thinking of stopping by Grateful Dog Bakery to get both her and Otto some celebratory treats!

Besides the pups, of course N gets a present too, although I have to confess, I've taken the lazy route for the past few years and I just keep renewing his subscription to ESPN magazine and ESPN insider. Its the prefect, fool-proof gift for the sportsfan in your life!!

Muttsquerade

This past Friday, N and I attended the Fifth Annual Muttsquerade, hosted by Secondhand Mutts. I know I've talked about them a few times on this blog, but I have a massive soft spot for homeless puppies, what can I say?

Secondhand Mutts was founded by Becca Riker, who is also the owner/founder of The Mutt Hutt (which just named one of Cleveland's Best by Cleveland Magazine), where Otto and Clair go play every week. Secondhand Mutts is operated out of The Mutt Hutt, and as a result, all the pups that are placed through the organization are temparement tested to get along with other dogs. They've placed hundreds of dogs since their inception, but sadly, the flow of dogs needing homes never stops.

Friday night's Muttsquerade is one of the fundraising events for Secondhand Mutts, and gives Mutt Hutt parents an opportunity to check out the facility, meet the staff, and see where and how the puppies play. It was a super crazy but crazy fun time!! We had a chance to meet some of the adoptable puppies, and they are the sweetest things (I spent some time with Lloyd, Hambone, and Philbert: super cute, super friendly and snuggly! I got lots of kisses). If you're in the market for a puppy, I hope you will consider adopting from Secondhand Mutts.

As one might expect, there were lots of dogs in costume, one of my favorites being the "medival knight". Obviously, I have video:



Hope you have a great week!!

Puppies in Costume

So this past Saturday, I took Otto and Clair to the Spooky Pooch Parade in Lakewood. N  absolutely REFUSES to let me put the puppies in costume, so we just watched the event, although Clair tried to get herself in the parade a few times! However, Otto and Clair's new friend Sadie was in costume, looking absolutely adorable (if not a little apprehensive)

If you would like to get Sadie's jockey costume for your pooch, you can find it here.

The puppies were so ridiculously cute, I just have to share video with you:

Are you dressing your pet up for Halloween? What is he/she going to be?

Bitches @ Mitch's

If you're looking for something fun to do with your pups this weekend, you're in luck. I have just the event for you!!

What: Bitch's @ Mitch's
Where: Shops of Old River on Old Detroit Road in Rocky River
Why: to benefit the Cleveland APL. And shop. Of course!!
When: Saturday, October 2nd, from 11:00am- 4:00pm

The main event will be hosted at Mitchell Sotka's for the Fourth Year in a row, and will feature a host of local designers selling their creations, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the APL. While you're there, you should also consider visiting Pzazz for some super cute finds, especially those of the jewelry variety!!

Planning your Hump Day: Happy Hour for Puppies

This Wednesday, Garage Bar in Ohio City is hosting the Second Annual HumpDay Happy Hour to benefit SecondHand Mutts and Berea Animal Rescue Fund! 

From 4-9pm local celebrities will be serving up drinks for charity! 100% OF CELEB BARTENDER TIPS, 100% OF PROCEEDS FROM SPECIAL 'HUMPDAY' SHOTS AND SPECIAL DRAFT BEER, AND 15% OF ALL OTHER DRINK SALES WILL SUPPORT ARF & SECONDHAND MUTTS! The local celebrities include (among others) Councilman Joe Cimperman, an assortment of local radio personalities, Dr. Bob and Dr. Liz from Gateway Animal Clinic, sportswriter Bud Shaw, and of course, the evening's fabulous hostess and Burning River Roller Girl Ursula Allison!


Seriously, what can be better than celebrating Happy Hour, and knowing that its all going to two GREAT causes?! And BONUS: you get to bring your well-socialized dog on a leash!! N and I will certainly be there with Otto and St. Clair; you should stop by for a drink and say hi. We'd all love to see you!!

Dog Friendly CLE: Wine Bar Rocky River

Did you know that Wine Bar Rocky River has a doggie-friendly brunch every Sunday on its fabulous patio? Someone told me that a few months ago, so N and I decided to take our furry babies over for a nice meal. It was my first time here, and I'm a little mad at myself for not going there sooner! Their patio is absolutely amazing, and the staff is so welcoming of humans and dogs alike.

Otto and Clair waiting patiently for their sweet potato treat

For brunch, N ordered the sausage gravy over biscuits, and declared them the best in Cleveland. Both the biscuits and gravy were very obviously homemade, and the biscuits were perfectly buttery and crumbly and fluffy. I ordered the spicy tuna wrap with sweet potato fries, which were also absolutely delicious!! The tuna was perfectly cooked, and the salad greens were really well seasoned--- YUMMY GOODNESS!!! Otto and Clair were both in heaven; they got fussed over and petted by staff and guests, and had some wonderful scrambled eggs as a snack!! I also snuck them some sweet potato fries (shhhhh!).


I can't wait to go back for another meal!! The Wine Bar also offers a Flight School where you can learn all about wine. The first class is $35 (plus tax and tip) and each subsequent class is $20. A gift certificate for the Flight School would be a great gift for the casual wine lover who wants to learn more about wine!!!

Bubbles. Unfortunately not the kind you drink. But fun all the same.

OMG, I am SO excited about the LADY GAGA concert tonight with AJP!!! I have a fun surprise (not a surprise for anyone I work with), and will have pictures in tomorrow's post (although it probably won't show up until tomorrow evening or Friday morning), but in the mean time, I leave you with this.



You can entertain your own pet with non-toxic Incredibubbles from Moochie and Co. They even make a cat version!!!

$4 at Moochie & Co

Guess Who Just Became Parents (again)?

I am so ridiculously excited right now, I can barely type. Remember when I talked about what I wanted for our anniversary? WELL, IT HAPPENED!!!

Meet the newest addition to our family!

All together now, "aaawwwwwwwwwwwww" : )

Her name is St. Clair (named after St. Clair Ave in Cleveland, her nickname will be Clair) and she comes home for good tomorrow!! She's 4 months old, and weighs 27 lbs. (Incidentally, all our dog names are Cleveland related; Otto's named after former Browns QB Otto Graham). Big brother Otto loves her already:

A big thank you to the wonderful staff at Gateway Animal Clinic (Chris and Dr. Bob) for introducing us to her, and to Mel McGrath from Paramount Dog Training for helping us with Otto and helping us evaluate Clair.

 

If you want to meet Clair, we will be at yappy hour at Tremont Tap House on Tuesday.

Dog Friendly in Cleveland, Part Deux

It appears I missed quite a few dog-friendly Cleveland spots in my first post; thank you to my readers and friends for pointing these out to me:

OHIO CITY:
Garage Bar: On their wonderful patio, and inside.
Flying Fig: On the patio
Market Avenue Wine Bar: On the patio

EDGEWATER AREA:
Clifton Wine & Martini Bar: sidewalk patio

WEST SIDE:
Wine Bar in Rocky River: Patio

EAST SIDE:
Presti's: Patio
Cleveland Botanical Gardens: This looks like such a fun way to spend a Sunday: Every Sunday from June 6th- August 29th, you can stroll the Gardens with your pup!! For more info, look here

DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND:
D'Vine Wine Bar: patio

As always, please be a responsible dog owner and keep your dog leashed at all these establishments. Otto and I look forward to seeing you at these places this summer!!

Happy Birthday Otto!

My baby turned 2 today!! And boy, did he have a special day. He started the day with two new toys, had a super yummy dinner, got loads of treats, and had a little birthday party with his best friend Lexi.

Here were Otto's presents. I wish I could take credit, but these were all N's choices.

The Humanga Stache $12.95 at Moochie & Co

AND

The Doggie Stogie Stick $9.95, also at Moochie & Co.

I absolutely LOVE the stache, its supposed to look like this:

Except that Otto absolutely REFUSES to put the ball in his mouth; he just goes for the handlebars instead!

Straight from the farm

Starting this Tuesday, May 4th, one of my favorite summer events returns: The Tremont Farmers Market. From next week until the end of October, I will have a GREAT excuse to skip grocery shopping on the weekend! The market offers the usual suspects: fresh produce from local farms, including one stand that features produce grown at one of Tremont's public schools. The bakery selection is amazing, and you can even buy locally produced meat; the meat stand is Otto's favorite, especially when I pre-order doggie-bones for him! For those looking to start a garden, you can buy seedlings to transport into your own garden or planters; I will be in the market for some basil and mint. There's also this amazing "spice guy" that sells this spice rub that I'm completely obsessed with; I wish I remembered the name, but I will know it when I see it. Otto and I will be visiting on Tuesday after work, and will probably take a detour to The Flying Monkey or Bistro on Lincoln Park for a drink. Hope to see you there!

The Tremont Farmers Market is located in Lincoln Park on West 14th, between Starkweather and Kenilworth.