Explore CLE: Taste Cleveland Food Tours

For Christmas last year, our dear friends Dave and Jessika gifted us a Cleveland Food Tour. Since we had been waiting for nice weather, they joined us a few weeks ago as we actually took the tour. Taste Cleveland Food Tours offer three standard tours: The West Side Market, Little Italy, and Tremont, however they offer custom tours as well. Each tour pairs local restaurants with a look at the history and architecture of the neighborhood.

I had heard about these tours in the past, but since we had never tried one before, we decided to stick with a standard tour of Tremont. Nick and I used to live in Tremont, and being an architect, Nick knew a lot about the history and architecture of Tremont, so we weren't exactly expecting to learn anything new, but in fact, WE DID! Our tour guide was very knowledgable and led us around parts of Tremont for 3.5 hours.

If I were to summarize the experience, its like a walking tour meets progressive dinner. We met the group at 4 pm in Lincoln Park, and from there, we stopped at 4 restaurants: Prosperity Social Club, Parallax, Ty Fun, and Lilly Handmade Chocolates, although the stops are subject to change with each tour. In between eating delicious food, we learned about how Tremont came to be, and some fun facts about the neighborhood as well as the restauranteurs. Alcohol was not included in the standard tour but was available for purchase, although you can do a custom tour that includes alcohol as well.

Overall, a very fun experience, and one that I highly recommend. This would also be a great gift for Father's Day, or in general a fun gift for someone who has everything. You can make your tour reservations here.

As I mentioned previously, it is a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are key. Unfortunately, I have plantar fasciitis, so walking for 3.5 hours in flats will absolutely destroy my feet. Lucky for me, I found this pair of flats that are not only cute, but offer the kind of arch support I need.

At $99 they are a little expensive for flats, but they are worth it considering I will wear them all summer with zero pain!

So there you have it-- a lot of food and a little fashion to get your week started off just right!
XO
~ Shibani

Explore CLE: The Vault

This past weekend, Nick and I FINALLY made it to Vault at Metropolitan at the 9. If you know me in real life (and honestly, even if you only know me through social media), then you know that I LUUUUURVE fancy. And Vault is FANCY!

You walk into the lobby of the Metropolitan at the 9, and take a short elevator ride downstairs. And then begin the velvet ropes. There is a dress code -- dress cute, and fancy. You will see a lot of strutting, and you definitely don't want to be left out in the cold. Based in an old bank building, Vault definitely does not shy away from its roots. Past the ropes, you walk in a hallway, and then past the vault (yes, its a real vault) to the bar. You will see signs of the property's former life everywhere-- from the old school till to the private rooms, which are all vaults. Its no wonder that Vault is so popular with celebrities-- lots of places for privacy.

If you're not looking for a private room, or bottle service, the common area is not very large. There's the main bar, and a smallish area by the DJ booth, the area by the vault then the wide hallway where you enter. Certainly not tiny, but not cavernous either.

I'm not sure if the hallway area is always red, but I definitely felt like I was an extra in Blade. The drink prices are shockingly reasonable. 7 drinks (all liquor) ran us under $70 (excluding tip)-- almost unheard of in downtown Cleveland! Overall, we had a fun time, and I will definitely go back!

Coming soon to Metropolitan to the 9 (May 2015): Azure Sun Lounge-- Cleveland's hottest new rooftop bar!!! Hey hey heyyyyyy!

An Hour In... Ohio City

This past weekend, N and I had an our to kill, and so we decided to spend it in a part of Ohio City that I really haven't taken the time to explore yet. If you haven't checked it out yet, West 29th between Church and Detroit is an absolutely charming little party of Ohio City. 

Our first stop was Urban Orchid, a delightful floral boutique. To be honest, this is not the first time I've been here, but what I love most about this boutique is that you can give them a budget and an occasion, and they will create an absolutely stunning one-of-a-kind boutique that is GUARANTEED to put a smile on the recipient's face! AND, I always learn something new there, like...

Ornamental Kale-- I didn't know that was a thing!

Beautiful pink roses!

In addition to flowers, they also carry small gift items like vases and jewelry, and of course, adorable Cleveland themed merchandise!

We then walked around the corner to Rising Star Coffee Roasters, but not before I stopped to take a picture of this camper...

For someone who really doesn't care for camping, I am REALLY enamored with campers! I blame Charity.

2 Vietnamese iced coffee to go, please!!! 

I love this bench at Rising Star

A few steps across the streets, and we were at Cleveland Museum of Art's newest outpost, Transformer Station! Incidentally, Transformer Station is hosting Ohio City Stages every Wednesday in July, which is an awesome street fest with live performances! 

I absolutely LUUURVEE the industrial details in the space! There are usually 4 different exhibits each year, and like the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Transformer Station uses technology to help guide patrons through the exhibits (hint: take a mobile device with you!)

Another quick stop to check out the newest pet store: Kutya Rev.

Seriously, how adorable is this?!

I am also really excited that Harness Cycle will be opening at the corner later this year!! I can totally picture myself sweating it out and then heading over across the street to get some post-workout 

coffee!!! 

So, if you haven't explored this little part of Ohio City before, I strongly encourage you to do so! It is a really lovely way to spend a few hours! 

Exploring Cleveland: The Museum of Art

When did you last visit the Cleveland Museum of Art? If your answer is "summer of 2012" or earlier, you need to change this right away!!! A lot has changed over the past six months at the Museum-- the new atrium opened, there's a new cafe and a new restaurant, new art (of course), and most impressive of all, in late December, the Museum began to offer previews of their brand new Gallery One to its members!

N and I visited over Christmas break and had an absolute blast! As members of the Museum, we had the opportunity to preview the Museum's newest offering- Gallery One, which officially opens to the public today.

Gallery One is an interactive experience, with the Museum's entire collection available on an interactive touch-screen wall. You put your museum issued iPad (available for rental) or your own iPad on the dock, and pick your favorite pieces, and the artlens app (available for download on iTunes, but be warned, it takes a while to load that much info) will tell you interesting facts about those pieces. In the future, the app will actually direct you to where your favorite pieces are located around the museum, so you could do a very targeted visit to the museum if you choose!

The artlens app has other incredible uses as well: if you hold it up to a piece of art that is artlens activated, it will point you to things you should be looking at in the piece of art. For example, N and I were looking at a painting of a ship, and the artlens app directed us to the sails, and told us about the importance of the sail as a focal point in the picture. Very very cool, especially for someone who habitually fell asleep in Art History in college (ahem!).


The Gallery One section also has some fun features for kids- they can create their own artwork and build their very own gallery!

It was also my very first time seeing the new atrium-- wow, it is really impressive! It reminds me a little of the atrium at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, but bigger. 

It was really nice to see people milling around the atrium, just enjoying the space.

N and I also checked out the new Provenance Cafe, where I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled to find they served....

The new restaurant Provenance has a really yummy looking menu, and although N and I didn't eat there, we both really liked the space. Its a safe bet that we're likely to enjoy dinner there some time in the very near future!

No visit to the museum would be complete with pictures of some of the art, and here are some of my favorite pieces: 

I want this chandelier in my house. 

Don't worry, I didn't miss the opportunity to bring a piece of the museum home with me:

my new Roy Lichtenstein calendar, which hangs in my cube at work

Like I said at the top of this post- if you haven't been to the Art Museum in the past few months, I hope you make the trip out to University Circle soon. Additionally, if you're not aware of this, in the past year, the Museum of Art launched a new affiliate program called Column & Stripe- In addition to behind-the-scenes looks at the Museum, they also host monthly social gatherings at the museum.

And finally, for those of you seeking to boost your civic involvement, Column & Stripe is seeking volunteers for positions in its various committees, so if that's something you're interested in, I urge you to visit the Column & Stripe website and contact Christina for more information on how you might go about applying for these positions!

Exploring the city: MOCA Cleveland

On Friday night, I finally made it to MOCA's new home with N, Danielle and Wes. I have to say, I'm very impressed with the space- the museum finally has a contemporary home, in keeping with its name!!

 The MOCA store; even the bathroom is cool

In general, I LURVE contemporary art museums, and most of all, I LUUURRRVVVEEEE contemporary art museum stores, and MOCA Cleveland's store is no exception. So if you're having a hard time finding a gift for that difficult-to-buy-for person in your life, I highly recommend visiting the museum store. N and I picked up and awesome set of candlesticks for our home, and I can't wait to get the right tapers for their inaugural use Christmas Day!!

Of course, we took some time to visit the art, here are pics of my two favorites!

Don't forget, a membership to MOCA is always a GREAT gift for the design enthusiast in your life too!!!

Its time to get your tickets and Jump Back!

For long time readers of this blog, its no secret that I absolutely LUUUUURRVVEE Jump Back Ball. I honestly think it is THE best event in Cleveland. For newer readers, you can find out more about my JBB thoughts here, here, here and here, just to name a few.  2013 will mark the third consecutive year of attendance for N and I, and I CANNOT WAIT! Ever since the board game theme of "Jump Back 2 Spaces" was leaked on twitter earlier this year, I've been thinking outfits!!

I can't wait to see outfits inspired by some of these themes!

Well, TODAY marks the official kick-off for Jump Back Ball 22, with a happy hour at Market Garden from 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm. Its also your FIRST opportunity to score tickets to the event, AT A DISCOUNT! For tonight ONLY, tickets will be $135 ($110 for Playhouse Square Partners). Tomorrow, the ticket prices jump by $20 plus handling fees. I can tell you that this event has sold out for at least the past two years, so if you would like to go, please make sure you get your tickets EARLY!

If you're looking for more information, visit the Playhouse Square website.

And with that, Ladies & Gentlemen, I'M BACK to blogging since my post-Labor Day hiatus!!!! I've missed you!!!!

Zumba

Couple of quick things: (1) If you haven't entered to win a $50 gift card to Beachwood Place, you should totally do it here! Contest ends at noon on Thursday. If you did enter, remember to check back tomorrow evening to see if you won! (2) If you would like to try spinning, this Friday is a great opportunity to start, and support dogs while you're at it. There are only TWO spots left, but even if you do get wait listed, feel free to show up- there's usually a couple of no-shows on a Friday. If you did sign up, but aren't going to make it, please make sure you cancel so others can take your spot! 


So, now that I'm done with my quick notices, its onto normal business. I've been trying out some different workouts this week, in an effort to keep things interesting. Saturday was Barre, and today, I tried Zumba at Be Studios, conveniently located a stone's throw from my house. Be Studio typically offers pole dancing classes (these are REALLY challenging), and belly dancing, but started offering Zumba this week. If you're not familiar with Zumba, its effectively coordinated dancing without alcohol. Sorta like jazzercise, but with a more salsa/merengue twist, and no jazz-hands. Needless to say, it requires some coordination, something I have in short supply. Since its the first week, I had the benefit of being the only person in class, so personal Zumba training!!

The good:
1. The music is fun.
2. Not only will you get some cardio, but it also works your brain, because you have to memorize steps!!
3. You will sweat. I was not doing the arm movements (see previously mentioned coordination issues), but I got sweaty. I imagine even more sweat with arm movements.
4. Since I was the only one in class, the instructor Jeanne really broke down the movements. I expect the classes will be a little small until the end of July, so I'm sure she will continue to do this.
5. You can do this barefoot if you like.

The could-be-better:
The studio is super cute, but is in the process of an expansion, which is expected to be completed in mid-July. So, the music comes out of a little boom-box. Being a patron of pscyle, I'm used to BIG BOOMING SOUND COMING OUT OF SOME BIG-ASS SPEAKERS, so the boom box was a little underwhelming. Also, since the Zumba class is being held in a transitional space, there is only one mirror, which makes it a little difficult to see yourself and what the instructor is doing. Again, I expect these issues will be addressed with the renovation, so I'm going to give them a break here.

Since the Zumba class is introductory, Be Studios is offering a Zumba special of 8 classes for $60, including something I'm very excited about- a FREE hoop dance class!!!! Call the studio/facebook them if you're interested in details, or want to try a drop in Zumba class before you commit! And if I can do it, YOU can do it. ( I didn't say anything about doing it well, but I expect I will get better with practice!!)

PSYCLE: a new beginning

As I've mentioned before, I'm SUPER excited about the opening of the new spin studio PSYCLE in Westlake. The studio is hosting its grand opening on May 20th, between 7-9 pm with an open house. You will have the opportunity to check out the space, meet the instructors, sign up for lessons, and have a chance to win giveaways.

In preparation for the grand opening, I asked the founders Jenn, Scott, and Ed some questions on the studio and the philosophy behind the rides. So here goes:

1)      What prompted you to start PSYCLE?  

We’ve been riding for years and have literally changed our lives on a bike.  We started PSYCLE as a way to give back by creating an indoor cycling sanctuary that would help inspire others to transform their lives and manifest their dreams.  There’s nothing like PSYCLE in Cleveland and we are happy to be the first to deliver it to this market.

2)      How is PSYCLE different from spin classes offered elsewhere?

The rides at PSYCLE are so much more than just a workout.  Sure, you’ll sweat and change your body, but you do it by working from the inside out first and the physical change happens along with it.   Our instructors are taught to teach about the power of intention, how to create goals and work with focus and discipline to achieve them.  It’s about learning to take your personal power back and transform not just your body but change your whole life.

Consistency in class quality is another key difference at PSYCLE.  While all instructors will bring their individual personality, the fundamentals in the message, flow and energy will be consistent between all the instructors.

3)      Why should people try PSYCLE?

Anyone who isn’t finding total fulfillment in their life, from personal, career, family, money perspectives may benefit from PSYCLE.  Whether you’re looking to lose weight, stay in shape, get in shape, work through a difficult emotional time in your life like the loss of a loved one or a divorce, you will find a safe harbor in PSYCLE.  By taking the time for you, participating in an active mediation and learning to create the life you’ve always wanted are the fundamental reasons to share in the experience of a PSYCLE class.

4)      What should a new student expect from class?

When you come into PSYCLE you will immediately notice the difference.  No judgment, all welcoming, great energy and friendly faces.  We celebrate the courage of new students beginning their journey and everyone will help you along the way.  The instructors will help you get set up on a bike and get settled.  Once the music starts, your role is simply to follow along to the rhythm.  You will get lost in the music and time will fly by.  When class ends, you should feel energized, empowered and ready to go create your day.

5)      Tell me about instruction style and differences between each of you:

We feel that consistency in the fundamentals of the classes are extremely important, but there are ways that the instructors personality will come alive in class.  Music selection is probably the most noticeable area of difference between instructors.  While the overall flow of class will be similar, the music used to create the rhythm will vary.  Some like more dance type music, others prefer popular music and some will rock it out!  We’ve made a significant investment in a dance club like sound system that will enable the riders to feel the beat (don’t worry, we provide free ear plugs for those with sensitive ears!)  We’ll even do some themed rides like 80’s or a certain artists.  Almost every single class will have a brand new playlist so you’ll never get bored hearing the same ride over and over again.

6)      Favorite song to ride to?

The founders certainly have signature songs that contain significant meaning and you’ll find each instructor has their own favorite.  Some examples include songs like Drive by Incubus and Fix You by Coldplay.  It’s not always so serious and we enjoy playing some hard driving songs from Linkin Park and cranking up the energy with some old school hip hop.

Editors note: If you ask nicely, they will even take requests. Adele is one of my favorite rides!!

7)      Details on opening and how people can reach you:

Our grand opening party will be held on Friday May 20^th from 7-9pm at the studio (24945 Detroit Ave in Westlake – just off I-90 between Columbia and Clague).   People can visit www.psycletherapy.com to find details about classes, making reservations, and directions to the studio.  We also encourage people to like us on Facebook to get tuned into the dialogue among the riders and get the latest updates.

I hope you will check out the studio either on Friday or some time in the near future. It really is a fun experience, and if you end up going more frequently, you will meet a great group of people that enjoy riding together!! I hope to see you sweating on a bike real soon!!

Dim Sum in my Tum

A belated Happy Valentine's day to all of you who celebrated. If you follow me on facebook (which you totally should if you don't already), then you know that I spent last night eating Coffee and Donuts with N at Light Bistro in Ohio City.  Seriously, THE BEST DESSERT EVER (and I don't take say these things lightly). I highly recommend making a trip over even if its JUST for dessert.

What I haven't shared yet is what N and I did Sunday. We went to Dim Sum at Li Wah in the Asian Plaza! Li Wah serves Dim Sum everyday, but on Sunday's, its an extra special  authentic experience in that there's actually servers walking around with dim sum carts, and you essentially get to pick what you want. My favorite dishes are the pork-stuffed steamed buns and wonton soup. I don't know what they do to that soup broth, but it is MAGICAL! I will warn you that I don't think there are too many options if you're vegetarian, but if not, its a SUPERFUN brunch alternative on a Sunday. I have no pictures, so I guess you'll just have to go try it out yourself!!!

Exploring Cleveland: Evie Lou

So this past weekend, I stopped by Tremont to visit a new store that I noticed a couple of weeks ago: Evie Lou. Located a couple of door down from A Cookie and A Cupcake (try the pumpkin cupcake with cream cheese frosting; DELISH), Evie Lou just opened a couple of weeks ago.  Owner Kim Crow (name sounds familiar? She writes a column for the Plain Dealer) has picked a color palette heavy on the neutrals, which is perfectly on-trend for fall.

The offerings are mainly knits, and include a great selection of made-in-the-USA clothing (which has correspondingly higher prices), as well as some imports. I really LURVED the selection; lots of very comfy but very very cute hoodies, tunics, tops and jackets, at a variety of prices to suit many budgets. Here's some pictures:

So here's something I was not expecting: Evie Lou also carries plus sizes, and in the next month or so, will also start carrying a small selection of men's clothing. The men's collection will be mainly casual, and include hoodies and thermals. Kim is trying to get a sense of what Cleveland men are looking for, so if you're a man who's been complaining about the limited selection of men's casual clothing in Cleveland, please PLEASE visit the store, check out the selection, and offer some feeback.

Exploring the neighborhood: Cosmic Collectibles

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to explore the vintage stores on Detroit Ave. One of those was Cosmic Collectibles. This store is so ridiculously cute, there are no words to accurately describe it. So, I have pictures.

It mainly sells home decor, but does carry a few pieces of jewelry. At least, it does right now. Their inventory turns really quickly, so you never really know what the store will have in stock. Look what I found there:

Its a little turntable and headphones!!! Its 100% brass, so hopefully it will patina over time. I wore this for the first time last week, and I absolutely LUUUUURRVVEEE it!! Its such a fantastic length, and would look great with so many outfits!!

Eating across Cleveland: Danny Boys and Latitude 41N

Wow, it was a busy weekend. First of all, a big congratulations to N and his fellow grad students at Kent State's Architecture Program for graduating!! YAY!!!!

Friday night N and I took it easy; he's been exhausted from finishing his project, so we decided to try Danny Boy's for dinner. Danny Boy's was a reccomendation I received from my pizza poll back in May, and it lived up to expectations. Its a super cute restaurant, cute in the kitschy sense, but charming nonetheless.

Its a Rat Pack theme, so lots of Frank playing in the background. I enjoyed our order; we ordered a Cleveland pizza, which is a New York style crust, but topped Chicago style, with the sauce on top. N prefers his pizza less saucy, but it was a delicious pie. The bottom of the crust was perfectly crisp, and the sauce was a spicy/sweet style. The portions are HUGE. Since we knew that going in, we split the Buffalo chips (kettle chips smothered in buffalo sauce and cheese--- DELISH), salad and pizza, and stil had leftover pizza. I think my favorite part of the meal was the bread that came with the salad; it was like a pillowy cloud of goodness!!! btw, if you're trying to be healthy, forget about Danny Boy's. Its very much a cheat-day meal.

Sunday morning, N and I went to Latitude 41N for brunch. First impression: it reminds me of the former Buzz coffee shop in Oxford, Ohio (if Buzz had served food. RIP Buzz, I loved hanging out at your smoky tables). You go up and order and pay at the counter, and seat yourself. When your food is ready, they yell out your name and bring your order up to you. N ordered the Chicken and Waffles, while I ordered the Left Coast Omelet. Both were delicious. Incidentally, N is on the hunt for the best Chicken and Waffles in Cleveland, so your recommendations are much appreciated. So far he's tried them at South Side and Touch.

As you can see, I've been completely unhealthy this weekend, and I'm paying for it now. Its time to get back to healthy eating, at least until Thursday, when N and I go to Jimmy Buffet!!!

Shopping local: Lilly Handmade Chocolates

This past Friday, N and I attended the 60th birthday party for a close family friend. The birthday girl loves wine, so I was on the hunt for a wine-themed birthday present. After various wine accessories came up short, I decided to go over to Lilly Handmade Chocolates, where the amazing amazing Amanda Montague whips up delicious chocolate confections to go with the equally delicious beverages in her store.

I've tried Amanda's tastings before, and I know from experience that its best to have her help pick out both the wine and the chocolate. I have a tendency to pick wine bottles based on the label art (I know, I know), so I ended up with this:

A sparkling Malbec with Blueberry ad Mixed Berry Bars

Of course, no visit to Lilly's would be complete without a little something for me

The nutty bark. Which I opened in the car. mmmmmmmmm delicious! (For my non-Cleveland readers, you can order this online by going here)

The birthday party was amazing: It was held at Patterson Fruit Farms and included a Neil Diamond Tribute Band! Delores, I hope you had a wonderful birthday, and I hope you enjoy your wine and chocolate!!!

Exploring Cleveland: Cleveland Auction Company

After dinner at Fahrenheit last Friday, N & I took a little detour across the street to the Cleveland Auction Company, where we picked up this beauty:

Vintage Scale $65, Cleveland Auction Company

They have some of the most unique pieces for your home and your wardrobe (jewelry and even a few pieces of clothing). I know I've said this before, but its worth saying again; if you're in the market for one-of-a-kind home decorating pieces that no one else will have, this is THE place to find it. I don't know how or where they find this stuff, but it is absolutely fan-tas-tic!! I'm completely enamoured by some pieces they've recently acquired; there's a HUGE brass candle stand with an offering box that I'm completely head-over-heels for! N is a little creeped out by it because its origins are from a church, but I'm still considering it.... I'll let you know if we get it!!

Under the Bridge

Friday night, I went to an event at THE COOLEST VENUE in Cleveland; the catacombs under the Detroit Superior Bridge. If you've never been then, you're seriously missing out on some of the coolest views of Cleveland. Unfortunately, the bridge isn't open all the time; there's usually a tour around Memorial Day weekend, and this past Friday, it was the site for the Ingenuity Fest Speakeasy. My only criticism was that the beverage situation was poorly managed; they had one station at teh end of the venue, which resulted in SUPER long lines; instead I think a number of beverage stations would've worked better. At one point, some of the organizers pulled a cooler outside to serve more drinks, which helped a little.  In any case, I absolutely LUUUURRVE this spot; see my pictures below:

Digital graffitti board

If you missed the Speakeasy event, you STILL have the chance to check out this amazing venue. September 24-26, this site will be the venue for 2010 Ingenuity Fest!! The best part: admission is free!!