City Guide 2016
Where to: Eat, Drink, Play, Meet, Live!
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Dedicated to Free Times founder Richard H. Siegel (1935-1993 and Scene founder Richard Kabat Publisher Chris Keating Associate Publisher Desiree Bourgeois Editor Vince Grzegorek Editorial Managing Editor Eric Sandy Music Editor Jeff Niesel Staff Writer Sam Allard Writer-at-large Kyle Swenson Web Editor Bliss Davis Dining Editor Douglas Trattner Contributing Dining Editor Nikki Delamotte Stage Editor Christine Howey Visual Arts Editor Josh Usmani Advertising Senior Multimedia Account Executive John Crobar, Shayne Rose Multimedia Account Executives Kiara Hunter-Davis, Joseph Williamson Creative Services Production Manager Steve Miluch Layout Editor/Graphic Designer Christine Hahn Staff Photographer Emanuel Wallace Business Asst. To The Publisher Angela Lott Sales Assistant/Receptionist Megan Stimac Circulation Circulation Director Don Kriss Euclid Media Group Chief Executive Offi cer Andrew Zelman Chief Operating Offi cers Chris Keating, Michael Wagner Human Resources Director Lisa Beilstein Digital Operations Coordinator Jaime Monzon www.euclidmediagroup.com National Advertising Voice Media Group 1-800-278-9866, voicemediagroup.com Cleveland Scene 737 Bolivar Rd, #4100 Cleveland, OH 44115 www.clevescene.com Phone 216-241-7550 Retail & Classifi ed Fax 216-241-6275 Editoral Fax 216-802-7212 E-mail scene@clevescene.com Cleveland Scene Magazine is published every week by Euclid Media Group. Verifi ed Audit Member Cleveland Distribution Scene is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader Copyright The entire contents of Cleveland Scene Magazine are copyright 2015 by Euclid Media Group. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher does not assume any liability for unsolicited manuscripts, materials, or other content. Any submission must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All editorial, advertising, and business correspondence should be mailed to the address listed above. Subscriptions $150 (1 yr); $ 80 (6 mos.) Send name, address and zip code with check or money order to the address listed above with the title ‘Attn: Subscription Department’
COVER PHOTO BY Emanuel Wallace
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ots of good things are happening around Northeast Ohio, if you haven’t noticed. The RNC is coming to town this summer, Cleveland is getting a facelift -- and a whole bunch of other cosmetic upgrades - from Public Square to new hotels, and Johnny Manziel is finally on his way out of town. Things literally couldn’t look brighter. There’s a noticeable pep in the step of residents and plenty of reasons for that energy. From the food frontier to the tanks of locally made craft beer, from the halls of our cultural institutions to the hardwood at the Q, things are coming up Cleveland. There’s plenty to enjoy, whether you’re just stopping by for your first visit or you’ve been here your entire life, and we want to share all of it with you. Yes, Cleveland .................................................... 7 Why I moved to Northeast Ohio and why you should too
Beyond Yelp ...................................................... 35 Choice under the radar selections from Cleveland’s dynamic restaurant scene
Better Know the Forest City........................... 8 14 bits of trivia to impress your friends and neighbors
Onward and Upward ...................................... 41 Downtown Willoughby’s dining and entertainment scene keeps getting better
48 Hours in Cleveland .................................... 11 Our guide to spending the best weekend ever
Brewery Nation ................................................ 44 Cleveland’s many, many options for the perfect pint
The Instagram Bucket List ........................... 15 The shots you need to take to prove you did Cleveland well
Cheers to the City ........................................... 47 Our essential guide to Cleveland’s best bars and clubs
Backup Plans .................................................... 17 Digging a little deeper than the big names for an authentic Cleveland experience
Sounds of the City ........................................... 53 How an Ohio bill would make a world of difference to the local music scene
Downtown Living ........................................... 22 How downtown became the hottest zip code in town
Straight Outta Shaker ................................... 56 Producer Alex Hitchen’s winding path from a violin in Shaker to scoring tunes for LeBron and Nike
Public Flair........................................................ 26 Cleveland’s signature greenspace gets a makeover as Public Square nears completion
Made in Cleveland .......................................... 60 Where to go and what to pick up to take home a piece of Cleveland
Flats Rising....................................................... 28 Work, play, and live -- the spectacular Flats East Bank rounds into shape
The Year in Awesome..................................... 64 A festival for every taste and month
Gaming Without Frontiers ........................... 32 A guide to channeling your inner kid around Northeast Ohio
Listings Guide .................................................. 68 Please help support the local businesses that made this issue possible
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CLEGUIDE2016CITY LIVING
Yes, Cleveland
Why I moved to Northeast Ohio and why you should too By Dana Norris
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BorisVetshev / Shutterstock.com
ait. You moved to Cleveland? Six months ago my husband and I packed up our house, our son, our cat, our hopes, our dreams, and our 28 houseplants that would die outside somewhere on the Ohio Turnpike, and moved from Chicago to Cleveland. When I told people in Chicago that I was moving to Cleveland, I was asked the same questions over and over again: “What?” “Why?” “Really?” “For real for real?” “No. But why?” “That makes no sense. Do you know that makes no sense?” In Chicago I produced a monthly storytelling show, Story Club, and my last Story Club Chicago show was basically a Cleveland roast, with various Chicago-based performers giving their overwhelmingly negative opinions on that other metropolis on that other lake. And I understood their overwhelmingly negative reactions to my new home of choice because, before I first visited Cleveland, here had been my thoughts on the city: It is surrounded by a belt of rust that will cut you/stain your pants. Water there catches on fire. It smells bad (probably). The sun doesn’t shine because all of the smoke from the constant water fires. LeBron James is a guy. If it was cool, I would have heard more about it. But then I met my husband, who’s from the area, and started visiting his parents for holidays. Last Christmas we were visiting
and it was unseasonably warm (thanks, global climate change deniers!) and I had eaten my body weight in chocolate and so was motivated to go out for one of only six runs I have gone on in my entire life. I ran up and down country roads and I ran past a house for sale. It sat back from the road, on some property, and looked nice. In Chicago such a house would cost, minimum, $600,000 + your firstborn child + your soul + all of your future happiness + another $75,000. When I got back to my inlaws, I looked up the price of the house. It was a four-bedroom, two-bath, 1,800-square-foot $135,000. That, to you, may seem like a reasonable home price. To me, a resident of Chicago for 14 years, it seemed like a really mean joke. There’s no way! No way that a home, with walls, and doors, and not ghosts and not black mold and not a situation where you live there with three other families, could actually cost an amount of money that I could reasonably pay. No. Fucking. Way. But it was true. I spent the rest of Christmas looking at local homes online. My husband pointed out that my job back in Chicago had a branch out here and I could transfer. My
young son could have in-town grandparents. My husband could start up the business he’d been dreaming of for years. We could have a house. We could all, as a family, smell 82% less urine on a day-to-day basis. So we moved. When I got here in June, I was overwhelmed and excited and eager to blend in. I immediately had to stop driving as though I was in Chicago, which is where you sit in dead stop traffic for 45 minutes and then, when it finally opens up, actively try to murder people with your horn and your middle finger of rage. I tried to be less aggressive in general, more Midwest nice, and stop assuming that everyone else on the sidewalk is a robber or, worse, a tourist. But it would come out that I was from Chicago — I’d give something away in my mannerisms or my inability to respond when some stranger said something nice to me. “I’m from Chicago,” I’d say. “Oh,” they’d respond. “Chicago’s great! Why would you leave it and move here?” People of Cleveland: This is an intervention. Come in here. It’s all people who love you. Sit down in this comfortable chair. Wrap this shawl around your shoulders. Take this mug of hot chocolate. And look me directly
in my lovely blue eyes as I stare deeply back into yours and say: Your city is cool. Okay? Your city is cool. In many ways, it’s better than Chicago. When your football team loses, no one calls for the actual death of the quarterback. Really, Cleveland doesn’t suck. At all. You don’t have to apologize to people for living here. Like, it’s nice here. It’s clean. It smells good. There are pretty vistas and shit. When I go out to a bar and order the fanciest cocktail I can think of, it arrives promptly and is well made and costs less than $10. A single digit cocktail! That shit is amazing! And no one in the bar tries to fight me while I’m drinking it! The people here are nice, not Midwestern-nice like those turds up in Minnesota, but nice-nice. You are approachable. You are affordable. You are a city where an artist can come and do their art and live in a house that isn’t also overrun with rats, unless rats are integral to your art, in which case, you do you. Cool people are doing cool shit here. There’s a thriving food scene and a thriving comedy scene and a thriving theater scene and a thriving music scene and a thriving storytelling scene. Don’t be down on yourselves. Yes, the city is small, and yes, Tremont and Ohio City are the same fucking place even though you insist on pretending that they’re different, and yes, much of your lakefront is off limits because you have to mine it for steel or whatever the fuck all those cranes do. But it’s nice here. I like it here. I’m happy here. So stop asking me why on earth I left Chicago for Cleveland. Believe in yourself. And next time you see me, say, “Fuck yeah you’re here.”
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Better Know the Forest City 14 LITTLE-KNOWN CLEVELAND FACTS TO WOW YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS Scene Staff
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here are things that are obvious about our delightful city — we got the Rock Hall, the Browns stink, Michael Symon is cool — but there are plenty of little nuggets from Cleveland’s history that help paint a fuller picture. They do that, plus they might come up in bar trivia one night. Either way, here’s a short list of some of our favorite bits of trivia you can use to show off to your friends when they downplay the importance of the greatest city in America. 1)“Cleveland Rocks,” Ian Hunter’s anthem celebrating the town on the Cuyahoga, was originally released as “England Rocks.” 2) In the early 1900s, Plain Dealer reporter Charles B. Shanks popularized the term “automobile,” after it was used in Great Britain in the 1890s. Take that, Detroit. 3) The Great Lakes Brewing Company compound in Ohio City was home, back in the day, to the law offices of Captain of Industry himself, John D. Rockefeller. 4) Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson (he of There Will be Blood and Boogie Nights fame) is the son of none other than Cleveland legend Ernie Anderson, aka Ghoulardi. 5) Cleveland is home to America’s first public housing units, the Cedar-Central apartments on East 30th Street. 6) The streets of Tremont are known for their collegiate names: Professor, Literary, College, University. These are vestiges of ‘Cleveland University,’ the city’s first institution of higher education, which existed only from 1851 to 1853. (Tremont, for a time,
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was even known as University Heights). 7) Clarence Crane, a Garrettsville dude (and father to famed Ohio poet Hart Crane) invented the Life Savers candy brand in 1912. His idea was to manufacture a “summer candy” that would withstand heat better than chocolate. Success. 8) Euclid Beach Park, home to the famed carousel — which now resides at the Western Reserve Historical Society — was also home to the slogan: “One Fare, Free Gate, No Beer.” That started after Dudley S. Humphrey became the owner of the park in 1901
The Cleveland Spiders
and wanted to run a more family-friendly amusement park. 9) In 1899, the Cleveland Spiders (our professional baseball team back then) went 20-134. It is the worst record Major League Baseball has ever seen. 10) An early popular version of the shock absorber was invented in Cleveland — who would’ve thunk? — called the Gabriel Snubber. Gabriel was the company, founded by Claude H. Foster and named for the archangel. The Gabriel horn, another of its products, became eminently popular on luxury cars throughout the world. 11) World-renowned Italian chef “Boyardee” — mini ravioli, what what! — was born in Cleveland as Ettore ‘Hector’ Boiardi. 12) Two years before the Browns won the NFL Championship in
1964, a Cleveland professional basketball team won their league’s title: the Cleveland Pipers, of the American Basketball League. They were owned by George Steinbrenner, before his Yankee days, and coached by John McLendon, the first AfricanAmerican head coach in professional basketball. 13) Cleveland enjoyed international acclaim in 1879 when it became the first city to be electrically lit. (One of Cleveland’s nicknames, before “Mistake on the Lake,” was “City of Light.”) 14) Speaking of lights, the GE Chandelier at Playhouse Square is composed of 4,200 crystals “coated in eye-popping acrylic resin.” That’s still well off the pace of the world’s largest, though. That honor falls to “Reflective Flow,” the 40,000-lb, 165,000-LED bulb chandelier in Doha, Qatar.
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Eat. Drink. Local.
Tim Bando Chef/Owner - Grove Hill
Carmen Paponetti Chef/Owner - Cabin of Willowick
Douglas Katz
Chef/Owner - fire food and drink
Ben Bebenroth & Son
Chef/Owner - Spice Kitchen + Bar
Peter Diamantis Chef/Owner - Rue 254
Karen Small Chef/Owner - Flying Fig
Laura Bouton Chef - Felice Urban CafĂŠ
John Kolar
Chef/Owner - Thyme2
The Farmer Knows Them Well.
Hi ho the derry-o, the farmer knows them well. They visit his farm. Shop at his market. Trudge through his fields in the rain. Bask with him in the sunshine. Sometimes even work the soil. The farm-to-table movement in Northeast Ohio? You’re looking at it.
Cleveland Independents is a group of 80+ locally-owned independent restaurants. clevelandindependents.com
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48 HOURS IN CLEVELAND
The essential guide to doing a weekend in Northeast Ohio right By Annie Zaleski
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ime was when asking someone to spend 48 hours in Cleveland was like asking them to have a root canal sans Novocain. These days, things are quite different: There’s so much going on in Cleveland, two days isn’t nearly enough time to take in all of the city’s sights, sounds, restaurants and entertainment options. While below you’ll find one suggested itinerary for a 48-hour visit, we just as easily could’ve included catching a show at Playhouse Square, taking a stroll along the lakefront near the Rock Hall or in the Metroparks, checking out the resurgence of the Flats or browsing some of the city’s antique shops. But for the weekend visitor, we boiled down the city’s many splendid treasures into a manageable tour de force meant to capture as much of the glorious Forest City as possible.
Friday 5 p.m.: Hang out at Prosperity Social Club’s happy hour (1109 Starkweather Ave., prosperitysocialclub.com). It doesn’t get much more Cleveland than Tremont’s Prosperity Social Club. The inviting bar and restaurant, which stands in the former home of the legendary circa-1938 bar Dempsey’s Oasis, serves up classic Cleveland comfort food like pierogi, beer-battered fish and stuffed cabbage alongside a rotating craft beer list. Their happy hour is one of the city’s best deals, between the $2 domestic bottles and $4 microbrews, as well as food specials. 6 p.m.: Sip a cocktail at the Spotted Owl (710 Jefferson Ave., spottedowlbar.com) Mixology is a big deal in Cleveland, thanks to places such as Tremont’s Spotted Owl, located in a former religious publications press built in the mid-1800s. The dark, cozy bar pairs a small selection of wines and beers with artisanal drinks such as Whiskey Fix of the Painproof Man, a fanciful libation containing bourbon, lime, broiled pineapple, artichoke and bitter chocolate. 8 p.m.: Catch a show at Cleveland Public Theatre (6415 Detroit Ave., cptonline.org) The thriving local theater scene includes independent stalwarts such as Cleveland Public Theatre, which produces thought-provoking plays and actively helps promising local playwrights develop their craft. Highlights of their current season include Mr. Burns: A PostElectric Play (subtitled “a post-apocalyptic tale of survival, passion and … the enduring power of Bart Simpson”) and Wrestling Jerusalem, which explores the nuances of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Alternate selection: Check out the world-famous Cleveland Orchestra (11001 Euclid Ave., clevelandorchestra.com/plan-yourvisit/severance-hall) The phrase “cultural institution” is thrown around liberally, but in
Cleveland Public Theatre the case of the Cleveland Orchestra, it fits like a glove. When the renowned, respected musicians aren’t wowing audiences all around the world, they perform at their home base: gorgeous Severance Hall in University Circle. 11 p.m.: Grab a nightcap at Happy Dog (5801 Detroit Ave., happydogcleveland.com). Quench your late-night hunger with a loaded hot dog (we’re partial to the bourbon pork ’n’ beans to start) and a heaping helping of tater tots. Chances are, you’ll do so while enjoying live music: The Happy Dog books local and national touring bands on weekends.
Saturday 9:30 a.m.: Brave the crowds at the West Side Market (1979 West 25th St., westsidemarket.org) Saturdays are always hopping at the West Side Market, so head down early, grab some coffee and take a stroll through one of the city’s most eclectic destinations. Bonus: There are plenty of portable treats like local maple syrup, spices, olive oil, popcorn, and delicious baked goods to make the trip worthwhile. 11:30 a.m.: Grab brunch at Ohio City’s Bon Bon Pastry & Cafe (2549 Lorain Ave., bonboncleveland.com) is an excellent choice for morning munchies: Their all-day brunch menu features everything from breakfast tacos to vanilla bean french toast, as well as generous vegan/vegetarian options. (Tofu hash with plenty of veggies, anyone?) 1 p.m.: Buy some records at Music Saves (15801 Waterloo Rd., musicsaves.com) and/or Blue Arrow (16001 Waterloo Rd., bluearrowrecords.com) Cleveland is a music town through and through. Exhibit A: the sheer
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COME VISIT
FOOD • GROCERIES • GIFTS & MORE
Li Wah Restaurant • Szechuan Cafe • Great Lakes Brewing Co. Park to Shop Supermarket • 48 hours in Cleveland, cont. Bayon Jewelry • number of thriving independent record stores in operation. Two of R & R Gifts the best are just down the street from the Beachland on Waterloo • Road. The (mostly) vinyl Blue Arrow is a haven for casual fans and Flower City Gift Shop crate-diggers alike, while Music Saves is a must-visit if you’re looking • for new tunes. Hair 2000 • 2:15 p.m.: Get a mid-day java jolt at Rising Star Coffee Roasters Kimberly’s (1455 West 29th St., risingstarcoffee.com) • The Hingetown neighborhood is a thriving haven for entrepreneurs Sisters Gifts such as Rising Star, whose tiny retail store and coffee shop (located • Siyan Dress Shop in a firehouse, no less) is a little slice of caffeinated heaven. • Tak Yuen Tong 3 p.m.: Visit the Transformer Station • (1460 West 29th St., transformerstation.org) Polished Nails This Cleveland Museum of Art satellite is a hidden gem, with rotating • exhibits that tend toward the modern and experimental. Asia Plaza Pharmacy Alternate activity: If the weather’s nice, head over to Lakeview Cemetery, a wondrous treasure on the near-eastside that’s home to the final resting place of President James A. Garfield and hosts of other dignitaries and notables. 5 p.m.: Grab an early dinner at Crop Bistro & Bar (2537 Lorain Ave, Cleveland) Chef Steve Schimoler has opened three new restaurants on the burgeoning Flats East Bank, and another one in University Circle, but his anchor operation is still Ohio City’s Crop Bistro & Bar. The upscale contemporary American restaurant offers a nice selection of artisanal cheeses as a prelude to a generous menu of inventive meat, pasta and seafood entrees. 7 p.m.: Indulge your sweet tooth at Mitchell’s Ice Cream (1867 West 25th St., mitchellshomemade.com) Despite cold temperatures, ice cream is big business here in the C-L-E. Hometown favorite Mitchell’s Ice Cream recently opened a store on Ohio City’s main drag —making it easier than ever to get your chocolate (fudge) on. Alternate suggestion: Drop by Jukebox (1404 West 29th St., jukeboxcle.com) Not hungry for dessert? Spend some time perusing the everchanging, always-interesting selections on the old-school jukebox at this Hingetown bar. 8 p.m.: Bowl at Mahall’s Lanes (13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, mahalls20lanes.com) Founded in 1924, Mahall’s Lanes is a Cleveland institution with a small (but mighty) selection of beers and 10 charming, old-school bowling lanes. The alley also hosts concerts from up-and-coming indie, punk and rock bands.
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48 hours in Cleveland, cont. 9:30 p.m.: Sample a pint or two at Griffin Cider House (12401 Madison Ave., Lakewood, griffinciderworks.com) Griffin Cider is a locally produced, authentic English cider made with plenty of TLC. The company’s recently opened pub offers eight cider and four craft beer taps, an experience which will make you feel like you’re actually drinking in London. 11 p.m.: Scarf down some late-night tacos at Barrio (15527 Madison Ave., Lakewood, barrio-tacos.com) Tacos are the unofficial late-night food — okay, anytime food — of Cleveland. One of the most popular joints is Barrio, which offers customized, build-your-own tacos and a dizzying (pun intended) array of tequila, whiskey and cocktails.
Sunday 9:30 a.m.: Fuel up with breakfast at Lucky’s Cafe (777 Starkweather Ave., luckyscafe.com) Lucky’s Cafe is a go-to brunch/breakfast spot in Cleveland, mainly due to the quality of the food. The charming cafe’s weekend brunch menu is a reliable standby featuring filling sandwiches and morning faves such as biscuits and gravy, a breakfast burrito and homemade granola. 11:30 a.m.: Tour the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (1100 East Ninth St., rockhall.com) No trip to Cleveland is complete without a swing through the Rock Hall, which offers a multi-sensory experience with a deep reverence for history and something for all music fans — whether obsessed with Elvis or beholden to Bowie.
1:30 p.m.: Have a decadent snack at Coquette Patisserie (11607 Euclid Ave., coquettepatisserie.com) Two words about Coquette Patisserie: French pastries. Need we go on? How about this: This quaint uptown bakery and wine bar offers a mouthwatering array of decadent desserts and sweet trifles, including (of course) macarons, marzipan and cream puffs. Alternate selection: Stroll down Mayfield Road Pop into any number of bakeries and storefronts in Cleveland’s historic Little Italy neighborhood. Grab a latte, grab some fresh pastries, and enjoy the scenery. 2:30 p.m.: Soak up some culture at the Cleveland Museum of Art (11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org) Cleveland’s art scene has many underrated, understated galleries and museums to explore; indeed, you could spend the better part of your week exploring those alone. If you only have a few hours, however, a trip to the Cleveland Museum of Art is a must. You won’t be able to see all of the museum’s 30,000 art pieces, but it’s difficult to quibble with only seeing Picasso, Matisse and Warhol on display. Best part? Admission to this world-class museum is free. 5 p.m.: Have an early dinner at the Greenhouse Tavern (2038 East Fourth St., thegreenhousetavern.com) End your weekend in Cleveland with a meal at the Greenhouse Tavern, the beloved restaurant helmed by James Beard Awardwinning chef Jonathon Sawyer. While you can go whole hog — one of the establishment’s most notorious dishes is a roasted pig’s head — the menu also offers plenty of other inventive spins on hearty American cuisine. Plus you get a chance to check out East Fourth Street in all its glory.
Where
SCIENCE Comes
ALIVE! • Cool Hands On Exhibits • Amazing Science Demonstrations • OMNIMAX Theater
Great times inspire great minds. GreatScience.com
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...transforming lives through engagement in the arts
www.tncarts.org 440-949-5200 “ We believe that ar t is for ever yone and that our exhibitions, programs and events should be available to anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of what it means to live a creative life.”
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“ THIS MAY BE AMERICA’S MOST BRILLIANT ORCHESTRA.” — THE NEW YORK TIMES
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clevelandorchestra.com 14 SCENE | CITYGUIDE
A k r on A r t Mu s eu m.or g
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The Cleveland Instagram Bucket List The 20 photos you just have to post to prove you had the most Cleveland experience ever By Scene Staff
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hether resident or visitor, your social feed should reflect your unchallenged mastery of the crown jewel of a city known as Cleveland. Between the bites and the brews come the sites, and you’d do well to chronicle them as listed below to give your friends, family and enemies full knowledge that you’ve conquered the Forest City. 1. West Side Market: A century-old public market with all the food you could ever ask for, plus gorgeous architecture and people watching. 2. Edgewater Beach: The Metroparks took it over and cleaned it up, and now you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Florida and not Ohio. 3. The Free Stamp: One of the most iconic works of public art around town. 4. Terminal Tower: We don’t have many tall buildings, but this one is a beaut, and at night, it’s lit up to make the visuals even grander.
Heinen’s Rotunda 5. The Rock Hall: The eye-catching work of I.M. Pei on the shores of Lake Erie.
6. Cleveland Museum of Art: Whether you’re snapping one of its tens of thousands of pieces of art or capturing the showstopping architecture of the Atrium, the internationally renowned museum is a mustsee.
Photos Courtesy Destination Cleveland IG.
7. Food: Yeah, we like to eat; and whether you hit up Melt or Happy Dog or a Symon joint, you’d do well to let everyone know you’re eating well. 8. Beer: Yeah, we like to drink; and with something like 97 breweries operating in the city (note: that’s an estimate), you will have plenty of opportunities to present a shot of the perfect pint. 9. East Fourth Street: What was once a barren alleyway is now home to nationally acclaimed restaurants, bars and clubs. Oh, and the lights make it super pretty. 10. Mall Guy/Super Pimp/ Guitar Man: Cleveland has three ubiquitous characters. We’d recommend you find them, but if you’re in the right spots, they’ll probably find you.
A Christmas Story House behold from close up. (Preferably with a beer in hand.) 15. Sports! Depending on when you’re here, you might see a Cleveland team play a game and win. Either way, it’s an experience. 16. The Downtown Heinens’ Rotunda: Name another grocery store in the country with an epic, majestic dome that looks like it was shipped in from a museum.
11. The Chandelier: Thanks to GE and Playhouse Square and lots of money and 4,200 crystals, there’s really nothing quite like it here or anywhere else.
17. The Guardians of Traffic: The statues, which grace the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge, are massive and very public reminders of the city’s beauty and public art.
12. A Christmas Story House: You’ll shoot … a great shot of the trapped-intime house in Tremont that was part of the action in the holiday favorite.
18. “Greetings from Cleveland” Mural: Drop by Ohio City, right off West 25th Street, to snap a pic with the postcard-esque mural that was completed last year.
13. Jerry Siegel’s House: It was here on Kimberly Avenue that Siegel created Superman, just nine blocks or so from where Joe Schuster, co-creator, lived.
19. The LeBron Billboard: Because, of course.
14. The Cuyahoga: Prove to your friends that it’s not on fire. Also, its scenic winding route through downtown is something to
20. Dealer’s Choice: For the thousands and thousands of photos out there of Cleveland, there are just as many left to be captured. Sounds cheesy, sounds like a cop out, but it’s true.
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the Cleveland
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Backup Plans When you want to dig a little deeper into Cleveland By Rachel Hunt
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here was a time when a ticket or table at most Cleveland places was pretty easy to come by. Thanks to an influx of new residents, a seemingly endless array of openings that have the whole region buzzing, a parade of laudatory travel recs from national outlets, and that guy named LeBron, things have changed. That’s great! But maybe you’re here for a hot second and can’t do exactly what is at the top of your list? That’s great too, because there are oodles and oodles of under-the-radar spots that are well worth your time and money as well.
The Cavs Sports bring out a competitive nature in Clevelanders despite the fact that we’re often not very good at them. With Cavs tickets in relatively high demand, a half decent single seat is going to cost you a bit of dough, if it’s even available. But there are plenty of other sporting events in Cleveland that will turn up the heat and keep you glued to your seat for a lesser cost.
AIW It stands for Absolute Intense Wrestling and it’s the Cleveland agency for a pro-wrestling league that has been active since 2005. WWE Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins has participated in AIW events along with a roster of other big names before finding their way onto national TV. They host and train both male and female wrestlers, holding events anywhere from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel to Tequila Jaxx in Mentor-On-The-Lake.
gender-inclusive women’s travel team who compete nationally. In 2013 they placed eighth overall in the WFTDA Division II playoff tournament. If you can’t make it out to a home game, they also offer the opportunity to watch a practice at the Pla-Mor Roller Rink in Euclid.
Cleveland State Basketball The Horizon League is no joke, folks, and Cleveland State’s men’s and women’s teams do battle in the comfy confines of the Wolstein Center. High-level collegiate basketball? Yeah, even some Clevelanders don’t know that you can get that right here in
person instead of on ESPN. Tickets are dirt-cheap and you won’t be sitting in the rafters with a set of binoculars to figure out who has the ball.
Cleveland Museum of Art It’s a completely free learning institution within University Circle, an area that was named America’s densest concentration of cultural attractions and performing arts venues. You should go to see their wonderful permanent collection of over 45,000 pieces of visual art spanning thousands of years. You should totally do that, but if you’ve already been and want a taste of the local arts scene, here are some pointers.
Waterloo Arts District The Beachland Ballroom may have been one of the first to settle on Waterloo Rd. but they certainly weren’t the last. Waterloo’s monthly art walk takes place the first Friday of each month with a route that zigzags past street murals to studios, galleries, and boutiques in the Collinwood neighborhood.
78th Street Studios Every third Friday of the month, the old American Greetings Creative Suites turned rental space opens its doors to the public for an open house revealing 170,000 square feet of art galleries, auctioneers, artist’s studios, recording studios, performance spaces, an Internet
Burning River Roller Derby Roller derby is a DIY organization, skater owned and operated, supported by sponsorships from the surrounding community and the people who come to see them kick ass. The Burning River All-Stars are our city’s
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Velvet Tango Room “Have you heard of that bar that serves prohibition-era drinks?” Tourists think that there is only one bar in Cleveland but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We’re filled to the gills with them and we still don’t think there are enough. Get the lowdown on the most recent additions at these two spots.
Spotted Owl In the basement of the historic Tremont Lofts building, tucked away behind an iron gate, is a place many service industry folks go to get away from everyone else and enjoy a hand crafted drink menu that’s been meticulously built. That place is Will Hollingsworth’s Spotted Owl, where the ambiance is matched by the drinks and then some.
Porco Lounge & Tiki Room Cleveland’s one and only tiki bar is furnished with relics from the famous Kon Tiki hotel which closed its doors in 1976. They use Pusser’s rum and other authentic Polynesian flavors in their house made mixes. The ambiance inside is out of this world, and the drinks will take you to the stratosphere and beyond. (Read: they’re super potent.)
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame We can’t tell you how many
times touring bands have told us that they ended up at The Rock Hall when there was nothing else to do. It’s a must-see, after all. You can get in for free if you give them a CD of your original music, but there are so many other pieces to Cleveland’s vibrant music economy. Tune into any of our local college radio stations (WCSB, WRUW, or WJCU) to hear how diverse we really are.
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Gotta Groove Records If you want to see how a piece of history was made, look no further. The vinyl pressing plant in Tyler Village creates about 70,000 vinyl records a month and offers tours of the facility for those that would like a behind the scenes look at production. Many local and national bands utilize the facility, so you never know what new piece of history you’ll see coming off the presses.
See a show Cleveland’s music scene is bangin’. There’s no other way to put it. The Beachland Ballroom, The Grog Shop, Now That’s Class, The Happy Dog (East & West), and Mahall’s 20 Lanes are all one-of-a-kind locally owned venues that support our blossoming scene and bands that tour here. For fans of jazz, Brother’s Lounge and The Bop Stop have you covered, while Music Box Supper Club and The Barking Spider most often host singer-songwriters, Americana, and blues.
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CLEGUIDE2016CITY LIVING
Let’s Move Downtown
How downtown Cleveland became the city’s hottest zip code By Eric Sandy
A
lthough the downtown residential population is over 13,000, downtown Cleveland is still only scratching the surface of meeting demand for downtown living.” That’s the header from the Downtown Cleveland Alliance’s third-quarter 2015 report. Only scratching the surface. Welcome to the New Cleveland, one dominated by massive mixed-use development downtown, where millennials are flocking in caffeinated droves for living quarters. And, look, we’ve got new apartment buildings coming online seemingly everyday. If you want to tap into the main nerve of this city’s apparent renaissance, you’ve got to move downtown -- which may be easier said than done at this point. Pure inventory numbers, of course, are skyrocketing. Counted among the ranks of the currently open and operating: Residences at 668, Euclid Block, Flats East Bank, Reserve Square, Residences at The 9, Lofts at Rosetta and many more alluring places. Coming online in the next few years: major residential developments on Public Square and Johnson Court, at the May Company and Halle buildings, at the imminent nuCLEus project across the street from Quicken Loans Arena, and elsewhere, scattered like beacons in a city that’s beginning to stir itself out of bed. Residential occupancy hovers around 98 percent downtown right now. Waiting lists for many places downtown stretch past the one-year mark. This is what we are talking about when we discuss the exclusivity of “
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The view from the rooftop of The 9. Cleveland’s -- Ohio’s -- hottest zip code. “Downtown” is closing in on some 15,000 residents, up 70 percent since 2000. (And in 1990, the downtown population was 4,651.) As of last fall, the Downtown Cleveland Alliance stated that, “275 apartments are currently under construction and another 4,000 are in various stages of planning.” What’s becoming clear is that Cleveland and other major American cities are experiencing a drawn-out wave of migration -- mostly among those 25- to 34-year-old millennials. In a study commissioned by the Cleveland Foundation, the Center for Population Dynamics at Cleveland State University shows that from 2011 to 2013, Cleveland tied for eighth in the nation in the percent increase and concentration of collegeeducated millennials. The urban studies crowd calls that a “brain gain.” Amit Patel, CEO of apartment concierge service Quo, joined us recently as we toured the Bingham on a bustling afternoon. We wanted to get a
sense of what it’s like to scout apartments in the middle of the biggest population boom this city’s seen in decades. We’re hoping to gather real intel, and Patel points us to the well-regarded Warehouse District building. The Bingham is one of the most popular buildings in the city. We find out very soon that if you’d like to move in, you’ll have to get in line behind upwards of 100 other people. This is not unique to the Bingham, though this place has never found itself below 95-percent occupancy, we’re told. Here, a one-bedroom place will cost $1,258 to $1,575. The upper end of the three-bedroom tier, for comparison, hovers around $2,750. These are all certainly nice places, we see, but if you’re trying to sneak into a downtown address for under $1,000, well, tough luck for the most part. The market is pushing quickly past that point. “West Sixth has some studio lofts that are under $1,000 — barely under $1,000,” Patel says. “I mean, nothing is available right now; but yeah, there are some units
up there that you can get for under $1,000.” Both anecdotes and raw data point to that $70,000 to $80,000 income range again as a baseline for entry to the downtown life. It’s becoming part of the downtown identity — more so than ever before — and part of a further wedge between the city core’s economic outlook and the city’s outlying neighborhoods. Not that that’s being discussed on any meaningful level downtown. All those folks in that shining economic core are packed into approximately 6,665 housing units across downtown’s 3.2 square miles. Of those, only 880 are owner-occupied. That leaves 5,785 rented units downtown: 87 percent of all housing units. It’s the Cleveland rental renaissance, in one manner of speaking. So who’s moving in? Patel points out that the two main demographics flowing into downtown find themselves at two distinct stations in life: before kids and after kids. Mainly, downtown is seeing young professionals under 35 taking up residence at any of the fine and enticing apartment complexes in the heart of the city. Also, there are plenty of empty nesters — 55 and older —either moving in wholesale or picking up a property to enjoy on the weekends or rent to whomever. Feeling it? Whether you’re new to Cleveland or you’ve got veteran status -- and whether you’re a brutishly entitled millennial or a couple riding that second wind after the kids have skedaddled -- the city beckons.
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1/29/16 11:48 AM
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CLEGUIDE2016CITY LIVING
Public Flair
The city’s centerpiece green space is finally becoming green -- and awesome By Eric Sandy Images courtesy of James Corner, Field Operations
P
ublic Square is one of those things that Clevelanders have talked about openly for years– like the lakefront: When are we going to step it up a notch? The lakefront is coming together in its own glacial, piecemeal way, but Public Square’s lot in life is improving by the day. The new downtown centerpiece will be unveiled in time for this summer’s Republican National Convention; June 1 seems to be the apparent completion date. We’ve been promised exciting things. Rather than four gray quadrants laying across the Ontario-Superior intersection, the $50-million overhaul of Public Square is transforming the space into an actual park. Curving swaths of fresh grass will expand outward to the northern corners of the park, with a “water feature” dominating the southern side near Tower City. (Superior Avenue will remain open to bus traffic.) The statues of Moses Cleaveland and Tom
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Johnson and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument will remain. New tree plantings– including a dominant 15-year-old white oak and a hearty grouping of gingko– will fill out the Forest City nickname in verdant technicolor, especially once we hit summertime. It’s really that sense of connection that’s going to have the most significant impact on how we interact with our city. One vision, championed time and time again by city planners and Cleveland Group Plan Commission Executive Director Jeremy Paris, is to allow people to walk out of the commercial or business spaces inside Tower City and head north– easily, enjoyably– into everything that downtown has to offer. (Eventually, local leaders are hoping to pull the trigger on plans to connect “the Mall” with the lakefront, near the Great Lakes Science Center. Plans are still on hold for that bridge project, but you get the idea.) Certainly there’s something
to the argument that Mayor Frank Jackson will foist this project aloft as part of his legacy. It will at least be his most visible contribution to the downtown core– especially once the park is in use on a daily basis. With more people living downtown than the city has seen in decades, the population base in need of a park is most definitely eagerly awaiting the summertime reveal. In fact, to continue the train of thought about downtown living, the whole “neighborhood,” anchored by this impending park opening, has undergone a dramatic facelift. Consider, first, the intersection of East 9th and Euclid, a stone’s throw away from Public Square. There you’ll find the already-beloved Heinen’s– as majestic a grocery as you’ll find in this state– the new Schofield Hotel, a massive in-the-works mixeduse development in the old
Huntington building and the PNC building. Only one of those things was around one year ago today. Street corners and intersections like that have been activated all over downtown, allowing us all to start actually using the word “neighborhood” to describe the place. Our annual City Guide is filled with reasons and contextual information that will prompt Clevelanders new and old to come downtown and eat delicious meals, stay in luxurious hotel suites, live in remarkable apartments and take in brilliant theatrical performances. All of that is true. Has been for a while now, but we just can’t help growing more excited about that with each passing month. The point here, though, is that downtown is becoming a place where you can just be– where you can sit on a bench and read a book or meet a friend, and then go about your Cleveland way. We’re loving the ride so far.
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CLEGUIDE2016CITY LIVING
Flats Rising
How the East Bank of the Flats Made its Triumphant Return By Nikki Delamotte
C
hris DiLisi fondly remembers spending many nights in the East Bank of the Flats during its heyday. Years later, the chef caught wind of the news that there were plans to breath life into the once-booming district and his thoughts immediately reverted to what he calls an “iconic” era for the city. If he was planning to do something
new, why not do it in the place that he remembers as putting Cleveland on the map? In the summer of 2013, DiLisi planted his scratch kitchen the Willeyville in the Flats and helped herald the first phase of the East Bank revitalization. Today, the project piloted by the Wolstein Group and Fairmount Properties has made quick work of becoming a
livable neighborhood, dining hotspot and vibrant, and recreation-filled gathering place. The raucous, bygone “Flats party scene” has been turned on its head to become a something-for-everyone waterfront playground. “Those mistakes from before,” says DiLisi of the past failure to keep the Flats thriving,
“[the developers] have done everything in their power to make sure they don’t happen again.” James Beard-nominated restaurateur Zack Bruell has put his faith in the project with his addition of Alley Cat Oyster Bar; and Steve Schimoler has opened his rock and roll-themed Crop Rocks, Asian-fueled Crop Stix and Photo by Emanuel Wallace
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unforgettable World-Class Waterfront District. With a collection of restaurants to thrill every palate and fun around every corner, the revitalized Flats East Bank is the most exciting destination in Cleveland. Make your reservations today!
flatseastbank.com
Alley Cat Oyster Bar / Aloft Cleveland Downtown / Beerhead / Big Bang Dueling Pianos Bold Food and Drink / Crop Rocks / Crop Sticks / EB Fitness Flip Side / Lago / On Air Studio / Punch Bowl Social / The Willeyville / WXYZ SCENE | CITYGUIDE 29
Flats Rising, cont.
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Thank you for helping us grow! MAZIN EILEEN MCILWEE ANDERSON MERIC JILL Z MILLER MAUREEN MULLIN GRAFTON NUNES KAITLIN ODEN SYLVIA PEREZ JOHN QUINN RAYMOND RACKLEY DAVID RAPPAPORT JAY & BRYNA RAPPAPORT JILL RIZIKA TOM RYAN STEVE SHACKNO CHAD SHAMINE ALAN SHAPIRO JOANNE A SIEGLA AUGUSTA MAE SINGER GABRIELLE SIRNER MICHAEL SRESHTA JON STAHL MRS. STONEHILL RABBI EDDIE SUKOL STANLEY AND MARIANNE TEPPER ADAM TERESI TAMI TIPTON-FLETCHER RACHEL WEBB SAHITHYA WINTRICH NANCY WOLPE ANDREW ZELMAN ELEN ZELMAN JOE ZNIDARSIC ABINGTON FOUNDATION CLEVELAND COLECTIVO CYRUS EATON FOUNDATION DECKARD FAMILY FOUNDATION DUFF O’DONNELL AND EURO FOWLER FAMILY FOUNDATION ROTARY CLUB - BEACHWOOD ROTARY CLUB - CLEVELAND SOCIAL VENTURE PARTNERS SUGAR FOODS FOUNDATION UNITED BLACK FUND WOLPERT FAMILY WWW.EDWINSRESTAURANT.ORG
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performance space On Air Studio. Another trusted name, Demetrios Atheneos, ushered in the new American cuisine of Bold Food and Drink to the former Ken Stewart’s space, while Lago provides a romantic getaway. Popular local burger joint Flip Side has added fries and shakes, and Beer Head Bar and Portside Distillery bring craft rum and brews. A simple stroll into the sprawling Punch Bowl Social Club, where bowling pins are knocked back at the speed of candy-colored cocktails, is enough to see the “play” in the East Bank’s “live, work, play” mantra is alive and well. Next door, dueling pianos electrify crowds at the Big Bang Bar. And so far, that variety has been lucrative. Last summer, DiLisi says the Willeyville was up 20 percent. “You need everything for it to be a viable district,” says DiLisi. “You need places that you can party, but you need places where you can get cheap food and places where you can get some high-end food. For us, just finding the foodie footing is where we are. It’s an itch we were one of the first to scratch here.” Around the same time, boutique hotel Aloft opened for business. DiLisi says business Monday through Thursday remains hotel-oriented, though they’re beginning to see regulars from the nearby apartments come in, and weekends draw in every area code. Aloft has its own dining destinations — the swanky, open late Lago and the plush W XYZ Bar — that have been drawing traffic to the Flats. Partnering with professional sports teams to bring in visitors has also brought extra exposure to the area — and, in turn, Cleveland as a whole. “Initially, we had people coming to Cleveland and stumbling on the Flats,” says Aloft general manager Bill
Reed. “Now you have people coming to the Flats and discovering what the rest of Cleveland has to offer.” But part of the equation when it comes to maintaining momentum is building repeat guests. In spring of 2015, the Flats at East Bank apartments opened, adding 241 luxury oneto three-bedroom units. “The most exciting part is bringing people back into the city,” says David Ferszt, senior vice president for property managers Village Green. While the complex offers discounts to Flats venues and pool access at FWD Day and Night Club, Ferszt says additional housing and groceries in the area will flesh out a full neighborhood feel. Still, as it stands, the interest in housing shows no sign of slowing. “So someone comes from the suburbs on a Saturday afternoon and they’re walking down the boardwalk and have brunch at Alley Cat, and they start to think, ‘What would it be like to live here?’” he says. David Resnik, a real estate agent, moved to the East Bank apartments in October. When not at home, where a view of the Browns’ stadium has replaced the poster of its likeness that he’s hung in every apartment since college, he frequents Beer Head or takes advantage of easy access to the RTA for a Cavs’ game. Resnik describes living in the Flats as a party on Friday and Saturday nights and quiet and neighborhood-like on a weekday, a mix he calls “the best of both worlds.” “The momentum is already there, it’s not going to fall flat,” he says. “The question is, what happens next?” That energy saw another spike this summer when FWD, a Vegas-style open-air pool party venue, launched as part of the second phase of the Flats development. “I legitimately felt people did not believe the Flats were
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
going to reopen,” says FWD co-owner Bobby Rutter. “They were shocked it was actually happening.” On their first night they welcomed more than a thousand people. Clubs tends to open hot before eventually crashing and burning, says Rutter, but FWD’s seasonality is part of the masterplan. By operating just a few months of the year, the club keeps complacency at bay, while enjoying the annual excitement of seasonal reopenings. They’re also bringing in national talent, such as DJs, which Rutter says piques the interest of artists to come back to the city. “Where they’re from is like a concrete jungle,” compares Rutter. “You’re not on the water. It’s a totally different feel.” He notes that nearly everyone who comes to FWD makes a day of it with dinner reservations, a fact that no doubt helps the concepts launched by Steve Schimoler.
FWD Day and Night Club As a decade-long Cleveland resident, Schimoler was always amazed at the extent to which the waterfront was underutilized. When the opportunity arose, he quotes Wayne Gretzky: “I skate to where the puck is going.” The walls of Crop Rocks are lined with 20,000 records and a DJ booth with celebrity wax spinners. Cocktails come bearing names like Purple Rain and Proud Mary. “The goal was that Crop Rocks would become the
real roll-up-your-sleeves neighborhood bar and that’s what we’re seeing,” says Schimoler. “You have people living upstairs in the apartments coming down, spending time two or three nights a week; that’s what it’s all about.” In mere months, Schimoler has seen how the district has grown together. “You get people who are embracing the ability to live here, work here and be able to play here,” he says. “The key is
getting people to stay here.” The laidback waterside was an easy choice for Erin Robert Clyde, managing partner of Coastal Taco. This spring will see the arrival of the bodegainspired surf shack with Cuban influence. But real estate is prime along more than just the East Bank. Clyde is quick to point out that the recent developments along the neighboring West Bank will only add to the buzz. Music venue Music Box Supper Club, brewery Brick and Barrel and forthcoming youth rowing initiative the Foundry are all adding reasons to come to the area. Clyde, along with many current residents, is preparing for the summer, when the Flats are expected to achieve their potential. “I think this summer will be the tipping point,” says Clyde. “There really is a reason the Flats became the spot it did, and we’re finally ready for that renaissance.”
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CLEGUIDE2016CITY LIVING
GAMES WITHOUT FRONTIERS
Channel your inner kid with these 8 places to play games of all kinds around Cleveland By Annie Zaleski
O
ur working world is driven by multi-tasking, so it’s no surprise that our leisure time is also now increasingly marked by divided attention spans. This isn’t always a bad thing: In Cleveland, it’s led to bars stepping up their game and becoming entertainment destinations, not just low-key watering holes. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.) From board games and pinball machines to vintage video games and bowling, the city’s drinking establishments provide plenty of distraction while you’re getting your booze on.
Punch Bowl Social Club 1086 West 11th St., punchbowlsocial.com Consider this sprawling new Flats East Bank entertainment emporium the Cadillac of bar gaming: The gigantic two-story space includes bowling, foosball, old-school video games, darts, ping pong and pool tables, and skee-ball. Throw in four bars and a lengthy, option-filled food and drink menu — seriously, they serve everything from milkshakes to greasy breakfast dishes — and it’s easy to see why Punch Bowl is always wall-to-wall packed on weekend nights.
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16-Bit Bar + Arcade 15012 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 16-bitbar.com The premise of this downtown Lakewood video game mecca is simple: Buy a drink, and you’ll unlock free unlimited plays on the bar’s array of vintage arcade games and pinball machines. Best of all, the drinks are tasty and strong: Choose from a kitschy menu of new-wave cocktails (e.g., the Molly Ringwald, featuring Pearl cucumber vodka, grapefruit, syrup, Sprite and a salted rim), a nice selection of bourbons
and whiskey, and a rotating selection of draft beers. The Side Quest 17900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, thesidequestbar.com This proudly geek-friendly establishment’s decor boasts both a shelf stuffed with old-school board games and a life-sized cut-out of the snarling Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out character Bald Bull. That effortlessly retro (but lighthearted) vibe extends to the Side Quest’s entertainment options, which range from trivia and Cards Against Humanity to themed movie nights. TableTop Board Game Cafe 1810 West 25th St., tabletopcleve.com This cozy Ohio City outpost has an incredibly well-curated board and strategy games library featuring classics (Mille Bornes! Bananagrams! Sorry!) and obscurities alike. Sandwiches, smoothies and snacks — as well as beer, wine and festive seasonal drinks — make TableTop an ideal winter destination. Mahall’s 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, mahalls20lanes.com The resurgence of Mahall’s — a 90-plus-year-old bowling alley at the east end of Lakewood — has been one of the intriguing parts of Cleveland’s renaissance. The bar’s unique canned and bottled beer list pairs well with the vintage lanes and
charming, old-school decor. Corner Alley (402 Euclid Ave. and 11409 Euclid Ave., corneralley.com This isn’t your gritty Cleveland bowling experience: Corner Alley has “upscale bowling action” at their Uptown and downtown locations, with multimedia-driven scoring and other contemporary bells and whistles. Superelectric Pinball Parlor 6500 Detroit Ave., superelectric.tv Okay, so technically Superelectric isn’t a bar. However, the newest addition to Gordon Square has one of the most unique vintage pinball and carnival game collections in Northeast Ohio. In fact, proprietors Ben Haehn, Nathan Murray and David Spasic are all about preserving pinball’s storied history: Parlor attractions include everything from a 1987 Dungeons & Dragons machine to an uber-retro 1968 Funland game. Bonus: Anyone who shows a Capitol Theatre ticket stub gets a free game. Dave & Busters 25735 First St., Westlake, daveandbusters.com No list of adult playgrounds would be complete without mentioning one of the first and biggest. Sure, Dave & Busters is great for the kids, but it’s also a helluva time for grownups, whether you want to slide into the newest Star Wars game or take a spin at the pop-a-shot. Plenty of beer awaits to lubricate your journey through hundreds and hundreds of new and oldschool games.
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CLEGUIDE2016CITY LIVING
BEYOND YELP
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE UNDER-THE-RADAR SPOTS TO GRAB A BITE IN NORTHEAST OHIO By Scene Staff
Y
Choolaah Indian BBQ The local founders of Choolaah had an audacious goal: to transform the Indian food experience. While every other ethnic food startup hopes to develop another successful Chipotle knockoff, these folks stuck to traditional recipes and cooking techniques, like the beefy tandoor ovens in plain view. The resulting Indian food isn’t dumbed down, but simply sped up. Puffy, fresh-baked naan, paneer in creamy tikka masala, moist and fluffy biryani ... all of it fragrant, delicious and, shockingly, fast. 27100 Chagrin Blvd., Orange Village, 800-459-8860, choolaah.com. La Plaza Supermarket Lakewood’s hidden gem: Just $2 buys you a taco so good that you’ll be reaching deep into your pocket for another $2. This makeshift taqueria in the back of a
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
ou’ll be told to hit up Melt and Happy Dog and Michael Symon’s joints and the Greenhouse Tavern and the other rotation of names that pop up when someone talks about the must-haves around the Cleveland food scene. Heck, we’ve pointed you toward those places in other parts of this guide to the city. But Cleveland’s culinary landscape runs far wider and deeper than the joints on the tip of everyone’s tongue. Here, let us lead you through some of our favorites.
Choolaah Indian BBQ Mexican grocery is further proof that some of the best foods around town can’t be found in a restaurant. We’re partial to the slow-simmered beef tongue (lengua), but we wouldn’t turn up our noses at the carnitas, chorizo, al pastor or barbacoa versions either. All are tucked into a pair of small corn tortillas so fresh, warm and corny that you’ll swear somebody is baking cornbread. Dress up your tacos from a slapdash condiments station stocked with chopped onion, fresh cilantro, lime wedges and the spiciest salsa verde around. 13609 Lakewood Hts. Blvd., 216-476-8000. Ocho Rios Like most Jamaican joints, this carry-out shop
in Collinwood has about as much ambiance as the waiting room at the auto repair shop. But, man, that oxtail stew. Operated by a self-taught Jamaican expat, Ocho Rios dishes up the usual spread of jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail stew, beef patty and curry chicken. But none of it is “usual.” The jerk chicken comes across as tropical, almost sweet, until the slow and steady drumbeat of heat takes over. Pudding-soft oxtails luxuriate in a rich, flavorful gravy. The curried goat might be the best excuse to eat that ornery animal ever. Everything is paired with homey rice, beans and warm cabbage slaw. Most people get their food to go, but dining in at the lone table and chatting
up the boss is half the fun. 1007 Ivanhoe Rd., 216-249-6246. Frank’s Falafel House Cleveland’s near west side has exploded in recent years with bars and restaurants. One that you don’t hear about too often is the Detroit-Shoreway diner Frank’s. Not only this place homey and inexpensive, it’s a seamless blend of Mediterranean staples and American comfort food. The sandwiches are top-hole, and the breakfast special goes great with gyro meat instead of bacon. Hot coffee, quick service, and just a stone’s throw off the beaten path. 1823 West 65th St., 216-631-3300. Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar With cuisine from Cuba, Central and South America, and the Latin Caribbean, Paladar’s menu has a little bit of flavor for everybody. Depending on the dish, the tasteful preparation might be glazed, grilled, pulled, jerked, smoked or slow roasted. Sidestepping the guacamole menu is about the only misstep a diner can make at this lively, vibrant staycation of a restaurant. It’s also a recurring favorite among loyal Scene readers: It has won “Best Latin Restaurant” in our annual Best Of Cleveland poll two years in a row. 28601 ChagrinBlvd., Woodmere, 216-896-9020, paladarlatinkitchen.com.
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Beyond Yelp, cont. Proper Pig Smokehouse With a name like Proper Pig Smokehouse, you better have some proper barbecue. This food truck does indeed smoke up some proper ‘cue, with tender pulled pork, zesty sausage and ridiculously tender baby back ribs. The fact that this barbecue pit happens to be on wheels and is slow-smoking its way around C-Town is all the better. Because the only thing better than brown sugar glazed smoked bacon on a stick is brown sugar glazed smoked bacon on a stick that comes to you. The folks behind the scrumptious bbq will open a brick and mortar location in Lakewood soon. 440-665-3768, Twitter.com/ properpigbbq. Lopez on Lee Lopez, a Cleveland Heights Mexican-cuisine flagship, remains a favorite for locals but rarely a must-visit for out-of-towners. It offers sizzling Southwestern cuisine with a flair for the creative. Longtime chef Michael Herschman jams a bushel of flavor into dishes like smoked brisket tacos, duck confit burritos and lobster enchiladas. Come summer, Lopez’s street-side courtyard is the best place to chill with a pitcher of margaritas. And
the burritos are as burly as they come. 2196 Lee Rd., 216-932-9000, lopezonlee.com. Market This Rocky River haunt -- a sister restaurant of South Side in Tremont -- is dead serious about Happy Hour and brunch. Among other things, it’s got some of the best Bloody Marys around. The place has an entire bar dedicated to the brunch bevvie. When it comes to varieties, there’s the Farmer’s Market Bloody Mary, a farm-fresh concoction garnished with carrot, celery stalk, olives and a grape tomato. If you want a drink that resembles the corner deli, go with the Meat Market Bloody Mary, complete with two types of bacon and homemade smokies. 1137 Linda St., Rocky River, 440799-4292, marketbeer.com. Pearl of the Orient For what seems like forever, the good folks at the Pearl have been treating locals to damn fine Chinese food — from New Year’s Eve to Christmas Day. Nobody in Cleveland does shrimp in black bean sauce better, and the mu shu pork is simply some of the best around. This Cantonese gem is a top-notch example of
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Beyond Yelp, cont. an eatery that nails food, setting and service every day of the year. Shaker Heights: here we come. 20121 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Hts, 216-751-8181, pearl-east.com. River Dog Cafe Cheap food is good. Quality cheap food is better. Such is the case with the seriously good hot dogs, sandwiches and wraps served at the River Dog Cafe. The crispy duck BLT is a force to be reckoned with, packing the flavor of a $20 feast into a sandwich priced at less than half that amount. The grilled ciabatta is jam-packed with brie, thick-cut bacon and cherry mayo, which sounds weird until you bite into it. On a tighter budget? Stick to the miserly priced hot dogs with numerous free toppings. 19900 Detroit Rd., Rocky River 216-767-5559 riverdogcafe.com. Superior Pho Whether or not Superior Pho is still “under the radar” is up for debate. But without a
doubt, it’s one of the best Asian restaurants in Cleveland. Sure, its location — tucked inside in a nondescript commercial building — is anything but conventional. But that doesn’t stop the hordes of daily visitors who come for the amazing banh mi sandwiches, delightful cabbage salads, and the city’s best bowls of pho. And then there’s the owner, Manh Nguyen, who would be genuinely crestfallen if any one of his customers had anything short of a wonderful meal. Fortunately for him, that doesn’t happen very often. 3030 Superior Ave. 216-7817462, superiorpho.com. Johnny Mango You’ve surely received the memo that Cleveland transforms into a taco-crazed town every Tuesday. For reasons we have yet to determine, the end of the second day of the work week means it’s time for pico de gallo, cheese, shredded meat and whatever else you
Flour prefer in your soft or crispy shell. It’s truly tough to stand out on this night, but Johnny Mango has been pulling it off for years. The prime Ohio City location doesn’t hurt, but mainly people like to gorge here because it’s cheap and fun. They’ve got tacos for $1, folks! When you’ve downed four tacos and a margarita but the tab contains fewer digits than your hands, you know you’ve come to the right place. Great music and ambience make this a spot you’ll want to spend the whole night. 3120 Bridge Ave., 216-5751919, jmango.com.
Flour Flour might be named after a simple ingredient, but the Italian food cooked up by the culinary dream team of Paul Minnillo and Matt Mytro is anything but basic. In addition to one of the best brunches in town, Flour crafts some of the most memorable Italian-inspired dishes on either side of the Cuyahoga River. The thin-crust pizzas are textbook, the pastas sublime and entrees like porchetta and short ribs dreamy as pie. If you’re staying out in the Eastern burbs for the RNC, consider this an essential stop. 34205 Chagrin Blvd., 216-4643700, flourrestaurant.com.
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EAST BANK OF THE FLATS | 983 FRONT AVE. | CLEVELAND, OH 44113 38 SCENE | CITYGUIDE
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MAR 12
•Leprechaun Dash 5K •St. Patrick’s Parade •Shamrock Bar Crawl
MAR 17
•St. Patrick’s Day
OCT 15
JULY 16
OCT 22
•Oktoberfest
•25th Annual Willoughby ArtsFest
AUG 20
MAY 21-22
•Last Stop Willoughby
•Downtown Willoughby Rib Burn Off
JUNE 18
JULY 15-17
•Downtown Willoughby Classic Car Cruise-In
AUG 27-28
•Pig and Whiskey
SEPT 18
•Downtown Willoughby 5K
•Chili Cook Off •Willo-Boo Trick or Treat
NOV 26 •Small Business Saturday
DEC 1-3
•Miracle on Erie Street •Tree Lighting Ceremony •Santa Bar Blast •Breakfast with Santa •Miracle 5K
For more information visit: DowntownWilloughby.Org
https://www.facebook.com/DownTownWilloughbyOrganization/ 40 SCENE | CITYGUIDE
CLEGUIDE2016CITY LIVING
Onward and upward Downtown Willoughby’s dining and entertainment scenes continue to grow By Nikki Delamotte
I
n his 16 years operating Burgers-N-Beer, Doug Ciancibello has seen Willoughby’s dining scene change and grow. It’s the type of flourishing scene he says “can only happen in a neighborhood like Willoughby,” a quaint, tightknit community that holds more than 20 restaurants and bars in a small handful of blocks. Along with the Willoughby Brewing Co. and the nowshuttered Gavi’s, historic Willoughby had begun carving its culinary mark in the east in Ciancibello’s early years. It wasn’t long before the Cleveland Restaurant Group brought in Ballantine’s and the 1899. An influx of residents, streetscape beautifications and a swelling calendar of events have only added fuel to the attraction for new businesses. Through it all, there’s still that Old World, small town feel to strolling through its rows of vintage outlets, boutiques and local bistros. “Things are happening,” says Ciancibello. “Does that cut into the pie? I’m sure it does. But if
Historic Willoughby, then and now. it diversifies, it’s going to make things better.” A decade ago, Ciancibello coaxed Alfio Pinzone into transplanting his Italian restaurant Pranzo to a vacant storefront on Erie Street. Pinzone, a former construction worker, completely renovated the building, much of it by his own hand. Walk through Pranzo’s doors and take the seat at the head of the table nearest the fireplace and you’ll be sitting in a chair gifted by the nearby Corks Wine Bar. “If you need something, we all try to help each other out,” says Pinzone. “I feel we all want to see each other succeed.” He points to recent newcomers making it finally feel like Willoughby is moving onward and upward. Crepes in the City merged the best of sweet and savory in 2013 and Taco Local gave Northeast Ohioans another outlet for their love affair with tacos in 2015. Restaurants have expanded their footprints too, with the team behind Lure Bistro planting Square Bistro in Chardon Square and Young’s Sushi opening a second outpost in Madison.
That’s all on top of an already strong bar and restaurant scene. Nickleby’s Roundbar serves everything from pub grub to elevated entrees. Its sister martini bar, Olivor Twist, is upscale but accessible. Longtime Italian-inspired favorites like Frank and Tony’s and Fanucce’s, New York-style grab-and-go Cannon Deli and authentic Irish pub Mullarkey’s remain perennial draws. And it’s hard to find a better embodiment of Willoughby’s charm than breakfast at Kleifeld’s diner. It’s healthy, friendly competition, says Jason Rice of the Morehouse, which brought modern Southern flavor last year. “The guys who have been here a while are starting to realize they have to up their game,” he notes. The Morehouse is a collaboration from a team who knew the city in and out: the Coyne family behind the nearby Wild Goose, Hunter Toth and former Ballantine bartender of eight years Jason Rice. They’ve worked to keep the growth going. He credits the weekly Downtown Willoughby Bar and
Restaurant Association meetings for the support and cohesion between businesses, especially when it comes to events that draw 10,000 or more attendees. “Usually one or two city representatives will show up to those meetings,” says Rice. “Whatever we need from the city, they’re on board with. What’s good for us is good for them.” As anyone who’s ever planned the inner workings of an event knows, having a big idea is only a small piece of the puzzle. No matter how grand that idea is, permits can feel like jumping through hoops on a neverending obstacle course. Scale that to the thousands who flock to Willoughby’s regular programming and you’re dealing with what could have been left as a pipe dream. Ciancibello, Pinzone and Rice all recognize the city has been anything but at odds with making it possible. “Cleveland really is becoming a foodie town and our downtown can be a big component of that,” says Mayor David Anderson, who has served 25 years. “We want to make coming to Willoughby
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Photo courtesy of Local Sol
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Onward and Upward, cont. an experience.” Anderson is quick to recognize that part of what differentiates Willoughby is its picturesque, old-fashioned feel. Prior to his election, the city was declared a historic area, but Anderson went further to solicit the Department of the Interior to consider it a historic landmark. Between a streetscape makeover in the late 1990s, brick added to sidewalks and new lighting, upgrades are visible all over the place. With those have come new residents and visitors. “Thriving, sustainable downtowns all have a good residential component,” says Anderson. “The higher density is what makes that possible.” The city changed its zoning laws to allow apartments and condos in areas previously slated only for businesses to encourage people to move downtown, he says. Two apartment complexes and townhouses are in the works. The new construction leaves Local Sol partner David Bartulovic, a Lake County resident of 11 years, hopeful that the city is on the upswing. The Latin America tapas restaurant focusing on scratch-made
Spanish cuisine opened this past September. This year will also bring BRIM, a two-story brewery from the original founder of the Willoughby Brewing Co., T.J. Reagan. He describes BRIM as clean food in a classy, calm atmosphere. The space, which broke ground this February, is being constructed on a twoacre piece of land near the courthouse, extending the downtown strip. It wasn’t without seeing the value in what was working well in those areas, where walkability and cycling access have been a boon to growing their thriving dining scenes. It helped inspire the pedicabs system at BRIM. The pedaloperated transportation will have door front pick up and drop off for anyone within a three-mile radius. “We’re betting strongly on the upward movements of the Willoughby dining scene,” says Regan. “We feel there’s more than enough room on the east side for some talented chefs with some really good beer and great food to come do their thing.”
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Nothing says authentically Irish quite like earning Gold Standard certification by Guinness. As the only Northeast Ohio bar holding the status, this pub modeled after the watering holes of rural western Ireland has come to be known for their stellar practices in storage, pouring and presentation of the beloved stout. Escape to the rolling hills and bustling towns of its picaresque décor with Guinness, Harp and Smithwick all on tap and an always extensive selection of Irish whiskey. With wooden beams, brick walls, and flags from Irish counties hanging from the ceiling, this is the perfect welcoming place to feel at home while cheering on your favorite sports teams. Share a slice of free pizza during a Cavs play-off game or stop by every Saturday for live, high-energy Irish music. Come see why natives say this is as close to an Irish pub as you can get without crossing the ocean. At Mullarkey’s, the countdown clock is always set for St. Patrick’s Day.
Known for its heaping servings of Italian, it’s no wonder Frank and Tony’s has been a Willoughby staple for more than a decade. Whether kicking off your night out or looking for a late night bite with a delightful price tag, slide into this spirited favorite for homestyle standards. Deep dish pizza, stromboli, and calzones come sizzling straight from the oven. Crispy wings are served piping hot and a lengthy choice of “munchies” make for perfect small plates to share with friends. For burger fans, try the signature Fat’s Burger, an indulgent double decker patty topped with original tangy Fat’s Sauce. But the fun encompasses much more than just the dishes. Just spend one evening mixing and mingling at the giant, full-service patio. With happy hour specials served up daily by cheery wait staff, Frank & Tony’s is truly a melting pot of personalities where everyone feels welcome.
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CLEGUIDE2016CITY LIVING
Brewery Nation
In one city, you can find the best of the craft brewed world. Join us, won’t you? By Eric Sandy
I
“ f nothing else, friend, this town is a beer town. We like it strong and full-bodied, if you catch my drift. Let’s do another round.” It’s another night ‘neath the glow of a microbrewery in any one of Cleveland’s dynamic neighborhoods. We are, always, surrounded by the choicest options for fine craft beer. Anywhere we turn! Along with the city’s robust dining scene, Cleveland has certainly become known as a Midwest mecca for fine beer -- and the commercial growth of the past few years has only fueled that particular fire. (A USA Today readers’ choice poll locked Cleveland in at No. 3 among the country’s beer scenes, just behind Grand Rapids and Fort Collins.) That said, let’s zoom in a bit on 10 of our favorite spots -most in Cleveland, with a few Northeast Ohio outliers -- to sit and enjoy true divinity brewed in-house. Market Garden An Ohio City staple, this one. Market Garden is a vast experience -- a large outdoor patio snugs up against twin bars inside the building. What’s even cooler: the Market Garden Brewery production facility is about to open. (As we were assembling this issue, the kindly folks at the production facility had announced a mango IPA that would be served on draft soon. Keep an eye out for it! Sounds incredible!) “The back of the house is every bit
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as important,” owner Sam McNulty told Scene last month. “We’re making sure that every beer that we send to market is the best possible beer we can brew. It may not be sexy, but it tells the story of how obsessed we are with making sure this is beer we’re proud of.” Also check out Nano Brew down the street. Brew Kettle Down in the otherwise nondescript suburb of Strongsville, you’ll find a true gem of a brewery. And it’s on Pearl Road of all places, tucked in among the commercial outlay and overflow of the city. Inside, a long bar flows across a lively room, and monolithic beer menus alight above the spirits. While we’re not a city known completely for its IPAs the way a Portland, Ore., might be, we certainly have more than a few titans. White Rajah IPA, a Brew Kettle classic, is one of the best. Don’t sleep on it. These guys routinely pick up major regional and national awards, and after a long
evening -- or even a fleeting nightcap -- you’ll see why. Fat Head’s Though this local favorite first sprouted roots Pittsburgh, Pa., we’ve come to endorse Fat Head’s brand of craft brew as our own. And it is! This stuff is ubiquitous. With a massive restaurant and pub in North Olmsted, the business’s footprint is huge, because they also boast a taproom in Middleburg Heights. And it’s not like that’s a big secret, but we’re inclined to consider the taproom one of the region’s coolest hidden gems. The beers on tap are consistently excellent, the brewery tours are fun, and they often have a blues guitarist or singer posted up near the picnic tables, crooning to the bon vivant crowd. Platform Beer Co. On the corner of Lorain and West 41st, Platform Beer Co. has really staked a fine reputation in just under two years. The space is open
and clean, and the gleaming tap handles beckon those who wish to get to know the Cleveland’s beer scene as it stands today. With a bunch of originals and one of the better out-of-state brewery rosters (we’ve knocked back a few Slippery Rock, Pa.-based North Country brewskis at Platform, which is wonderful), this is sort of an ideal place to kick back after work with your buds. The emphasis is all beer here, though, so don’t come in expecting to cut your imbibing with a shot or two. Not that you’d need to; the beer is just so good. Another thing we really like about this outfit is that they seem always to be thinking about the next crop of brewers in this city. And, with the RNC one-off brew in mind, they’re always partnering with area organizations to accent events and celebrations with a unique beer. Rocky River Brewing Co. One of the great open secrets of the westside suburbs, Rocky River Brewing Co. is hallowed ground for all who enjoy excellent food (you can thank Chef Bill Fogarty and his staff) and an impressive array of unique beers. Housed in a fairly massive tavernlooking edifice, “the Brew Co.” offers refuge from the constant expansion of downtown and the inner-ring neighborhoods. Head brewer Jim Lieb creates a nice list of unique beers -- we recommend the Punchin’ the Nuts, a peanut butter-andcaramel brew that appears on
Brewery Nation, cont. first blush like a crisp amber ale -- and he also brings around some interesting out-of-market guests beers. This is a place to stretch your legs a bit and unwind with friends. Best fries in the city, too. Portside Distillery Yes, Portside is a distillery -- they’re making fabulous rum that you should drink immediately -- but Portside is also a brewery and sports a nifty lineup of year-round brews along with seasonals. The tasting room is one of the best spots for a pint in the Warehouse District/upper edge of the Flats. Bottlehouse Brewing Company An eastside favorite that’s about to open its doors in Lakewood (any day now, as of press time), Bottlehouse has brought some really good vibes to the Northeast Ohio brewing scene in recent years. Oh, and, on a semi-related note, Bottlehouse got a jump on the impending mead craze, so get your ass over there and check that out. It’s delicious. Brick and Barrel Brewery Outfitted like your laid-back neighbor’s garage -- open the door, crack a beer, blast some Stones -- Brick and Barrel Brewery has been a really welcome addition to the budding Flats. Tucked away from the neo-hustle and bustle on the East Bank, Brick and Barrel maintains a Columbus Road vigil, calling all who seek good beer and chalk art to come as they are. “Around the country, where I have worked and lived, the brewery spaces that have been really fun and successful have been in those industrial areas,” co-founder Karl Spiesman told Scene when they opened the place. “We love it down there.” Great Lakes Brewing Co. Ah, Great Lakes. The alpha of the Cleveland beer scene, a domineering force that
taps into the same touristdestination nerve to which places like the Rock Hall and PlayhouseSquare lay claim. Whether you live here or you’re just passing through (stay a while, won’t you?), Great Lakes Brewing Co. in the heart of Ohio City is an absolute must. Not only is the restaurant itself just an excellent experience -- nice interiors, great food, good energy -- but drinking this stuff in-house, right at the bar, is one of the great delights of Cleveland. Tip: You should probably experience the first Christmas Ale tap of the season at least once, but do be warned that it’s a madhouse down there. Again, we’re positively mad for our beers, and Christmas Ale is a local treasure. Butcher and the Brewer Holding court on the prestigious East Fourth Street, Butcher and the Brewer showed up a few years ago to universal acclaim. This place taps into something that we’d been craving: a large, openair environment where people actually mingle and enjoy fine meats and beverages. The basement, which is often empty, is one of the great hang spots in all of downtown Cleveland. Get your beers and then bring your group downstairs to bask in the glow of brewing vats and trade stories in a quietly beautiful atmosphere. Willoughby Brewing Co. You can read about the ascendance of Willoughby in this very issue, but we need to reiterate on this page how highly we think of Willoughby Brewing Co., a stalwart establishment of the eastside ‘burb. These guys consistently and rather humbly churn out excellent beers, making a dinner trip to Willoughby Brewing Co. a top-notch choice on the reg. The Peanut Butter Cup Coffee Porter is a must, as well as the lighter Railway Razz. Order a flight. Settle in. Enjoy.
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CLEGUIDE2016CITY LIVING
Cheers to the City
The essential guide to Cleveland’s bar and club scene By Scene Staff leveland has a long, proud, tipsy tradition with booze. It’s been cultivated by long winters, a strong work ethic, an even stronger play ethic, and a host of places high and low that have served beers and shots and cocktails to the hard scrabble lot that have called the north shore home. There is a seemingly endless list to choose from with neighborhoods and locations for every taste and price point. That’s what we’re here for. We’ve spent, admittedly, too many nights posted up on barstools around this glorious town and consider ourselves experts on where to go based on what you’re looking for. Below, our humble recommendations on where to raise a glass (or more), whether you’re in search of a dive with history or a newbie a twist, whether you’re in the mood for a quiet night or a boisterous bacchanalia. Becky’s The Cleveland State University campus is becoming a real campus these days, a real urban university with sprigs of housing and businesses dotting Euclid and Chester and Prospect. Becky’s, over on East 18th, has been acting as the de-facto CSU meeting ground in the meantime, offering cheap draft beer, cheaper bar food, and somewhere students and eastside workers and university employees can commiserate over a bargain. 1762 East 18th St., 216-6210055, beckysbar.com. Brothers Lounge Michael Bay and the Bad Boys of Blues, one of the city’s best
distractions but booths where conversation is front and center. 2373 Professor Ave., 216-5220006, edisonspub.com.
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
C
but food isn’t in the plans now. There’s just cheap liquor and a place for friends to meet for a quick visit to the ‘90s with Frank, who took the two decades off to run his two tire businesses. West 50th and Detroit, 440-835-4697, facebook.com/ edgewatercafe.
Fairmount Martini & Wine Bar It takes a nice bit of skill to walk the line between craft cocktail destination and corner bar. The Fairmount does just that for the eastside, and the scores of Clinic personnel and college students and young professionals who make its patio a boisterous backyard party in the summer know that the bar walks that line skillfully. An impressive menu of classic and modern cocktails and a short if not well-rounded craft beer list await, along with a similarly short but well-rounded food menu, make the Fairmount a one-stop shop of sorts that caters to everyone without coming off patronizing. 2448 Fairmount Blvd., 216-2299463, thefairmount.net.
Edison’s Tremont is a drinking neighborhood, even more than it’s a dining neighborhood, a reputation earned decades ago when it was a working-class enclave for the steel mills. It’s easy to bandy about the word “neighborhood” on a list like this — these places mean most to those who live nearby, but with Edison’s, it’s the best way to describe it. Sure, there’s the endless list of craft beers, which it was slinging before it became mandatory for every bar to offer 100 craft brews, but the draw is the comfort here. It’s dark and friendly, sports a beautiful back patio for the summer, welcomes our four-legged friends, and is focused not on TVs and
Grog Shop A Cleveland Heights concert club that hosts everything from hip-hop to rock and comedy, the Grog Shop is quickly approaching its 25th anniversary. Yes, it’s truly a local institution. The Grog is one of the prime places in town to hear indie, punk, and pop bands. It’s hosted a slew of buzz bands on their way up, as well as some of the best local acts. Comedians regularly perform at the club as well. Some bands and comics are so loyal to owner Kathy Simkoff that they recruit her to promote their shows even after they move up to bigger venues. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
Hofbräuhaus blues bands, play Parkview on Wednesday nights. They also play Brothers on Thursday nights. The rest of the week is littered with jazz and blues shows you won’t find anywhere else in town at this West side joint that rides the edge between classy and workingman. It’s about the music, and Brothers services that history in Cleveland by showcasing a ton of talented local acts as well as touring bands. Every Wednesday, local singer-songwriter Brent Kirby hosts an open mic night that’s become a great way for up-and-coming acts to play to an appreciative audience. 11609 Detroit Ave., 216-2262767, brotherslounge.com. Edgewater Cafe Owner Frank Spremull recently reopened Edgewater after the bar had been shuttered for some 18 years. As he told a reporter, he didn’t change anything in that time. It’s a time capsule from 1996, and really from before that, newly opened and preserved. There used to be food back in the day — a burger was $2.50 —
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Cheers to the City, cont. Harbor Inn Scene has a long, proud tradition with the Harbor Inn. It was the setting for just about every job interview for years and most of the staff has whiled away the hours there, meeting sources and talking stories. There’s a reason or two for that: One is Wally, the former owner, the proud man who’s helmed the Harbor since the ‘70s. The other reasons? They’re harder to nail down, but among them: It’s the oldest bar in Cleveland; it’s a shot and a beer bar in a town that’s moved away from that model; it’s cheap; it’s open early. 1219 Main Ave., 216-241-3232. Hofbräuhaus Another newbie on the list; another great reason. Sure, Hofbräuhaus is technically part of a chain, but it’s more destination than chain. And walking through the doors to the giant beer hall (the weather hasn’t been nice enough to really enjoy the beer garden) is like walking into Munich for Oktoberfest. Except it’s Oktoberfest every day here. A live band alternates between German classics and polka-infused covers of modern pop; waitresses walk around with pretzels; patrons get on their feet and dance on their chairs; shots are downed courtesy of the “shotski”; plates of fat sausages emerge from the kitchen; everyone smiles and laughs and drinks and is generally as merry as they’ve ever been. Prost. 1550 Chester Ave., 216-6212337, hofbrauhauscleveland.com.
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Johnny’s Little Bar It never really fit with the rest of the Warehouse District sect, and certainly not its friends down the street on West Sixth, but the little heaven that is Little Bar became a destination just for that reason. (And, well, one of the best burgers in Cleveland didn’t hurt either.) City and county employees, lawyers, aimless day-drinkers and everyone in between found a home here, where the lack of any natural light allows an escape into the dark and warm quarters of a place you
can be seen, if you want, but left alone if that’s what you prefer. 614 Frankfort Ave., 216-8612166, johnnyscleveland.com. La Cave du Vin It’s all about the mood here. Well, that’s not right. There’s the outstanding wine and beer selection too. But mainly it’s about the mood. Walk down the stairs and bottom out into a French-feeling underground nightclub where the tables are small and the first feeling is like discovering a secret. It’s cozy by the very definition of the word, which makes it feel nothing short of pure romance, which of course makes it a great spot for date night. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-932-6411, lacaveduvin.com. Music Box Supper Club Just when you thought Cleveland couldn’t support another music venue, along comes Music Box Supper Club. Featuring two spaces for live bands to play, the Music Box, which is located on the West Bank of the Flats in the same complex as Shooter’s and the Improv, boasts great views of the lake and review. It offers a fantastic sound system and has become the go-to place for touring acts that cater to the NPR set. Still, the punk band X has played the club and it provided one of the stages for the indie rock-oriented Brite Winter festival. 1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com. Parnell’s Lee Road and Coventry might be going through a bit of transition these days, but the next door over from the Cedar Lee has been stable and consistent for awhile now. That’s Parnell’s, run by Declan Synnott, who’s manning one of the best Irish joints in town. Whether it’s opening in the wee hours of the morning for the World Cup or simply shooting the shit from behind the bar, Declan is among the nicest guys you’ll ever share
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Barking Spider Tavern
Cheers to the City, cont. words with. And his pub reflects that friendliness and more. Did we mention it’s a great place to watch a soccer game? 2167 Lee Rd., 216-321-3469, facebook.com/parnellspub.
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Now That’s Class Now That’s Class specializes in D.I.Y. vibe — but with professionalism and welcome predictability. And the music? Though the club emphasizes the heavier side of the musical spectrum (think hardcore, punk rock and metal), club owner Paul Schlachter has booked everything from Afro-pop to avant garde jazz and electronic music. The club has hosted a little bit of everything: comedy, skateboarding demos, a dodgeball tournament. Don’t let the dingy-ness fool you. The place has a vegan-friendly menu and a huge selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles. 11213 Detroit Ave., 216-2218576, nowthatsclass.net. Parkview Nite Club Tucked away in DetroitShoreway, the Parkview has that hipster gleam — not by design, but just as the result of a long and storied tradition where nothing much changes. It’s family friendly, offers free music (catch Michael Bay and the Bad Boys of Blues Wednesday nights), sports a full menu of cheap bar favorites (get the fried asparagus), and feels small despite the large dining room. It’s been a blues club, a
speakeasy, a corner bar and has remained some combination of all that since the Plonskis bought it in 1993. A cool place for shady people indeed. 1261 West 58th St., 216-9611341, parkviewniteclub.com. Barking Spider Tavern The late Martin Juredine and his partner, Bruce Madorsky, acquired this former coach house off Juniper Road on the Case Western Reserve campus in 1986, and turned it into the Barking Spider, a space that feels more like a coffeehouse than a bar. It’s sequestered location and the large glass doors on each side that open onto patios give it a homey, low-key vibe. While the club mainly caters to singersongwriter types, jazz combos, blues groups, and indie rock bands squeeze onto the small stage too. You’ll often hear poets and spoken word artists read as well. 11310 Juniper Rd., 216-4212863, barkingspidertavern.com. Porco Tiki Lounge Tiki lounges used to dot the downtown landscape decades ago. We’d heard stories of how great they were but really didn’t understand until Porco opened in Ohio City down by I-90. Authentic tiki cocktails with names like the Zombie and Painkiller fill the menu with apocryphal backstories of their origins. And those cocktails? Stuffed with at least two shots of
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Cheers to the City, cont. booze in most cases, meaning one is more than enough most times. Add in the festive decorations and the off-thebeaten-path locale, and you can’t help but feel like you’ve stepped into another world entirely. 2527 West 25th St., 216-8029222, porcolounge.com. Shooter’s It may well be a throwback to when the Flats was the Flats, as your parents knew it in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but what other bar on the banks of the Cuyahoga River offers unadulterated views of the wondrous landscape under the sun? It’s a Cleveland tradition, one of the best people-watching experiences on a weekend, and a great place to convince your significant other that it’s time to buy a boat. Even if that discussion doesn’t go in your favor, you’ll have a couple of beers and watch other people use their boats, which is almost as fun. 1148 Main Ave., 216-861-9800, shootersflats.com. Tina’s Nite Club A lot of places do karaoke. No one does karaoke like Tina’s. Or, to be more specific, Little Lou, who is your grandfather’s age and who runs the stereo rig on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Which isn’t to say the mic loses its luster any of the other nights, just that Little Lou is our favorite. Dig into the massive lists of bygone hits after you find the building, which is very much off the Detroit-Shoreway main drag and which takes unassuming to new levels, and belt out your guts in front of your fellow wannabe stars. Karaoke’s not the appetizer here. Karaoke is the reason the bar fills up every week. So come prepared to sing. 5400 Herman Ave., 216-6518057. Townhall Townhall isn’t one bar exactly. Sure, it’s got one physical location, but what you encounter inside depends on the day and time. There’s the coffee shop crowd that takes advantage of the cafe. And there is the lunch
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crowd, taking advantage of Townhall’s extensive vegan and vegetarian options. And then there’s the dinner crowd. And the folks who enter to watch a Cavs game or drain away an afternoon in the pleasant openair layout. And then, of course, there’s the evening crowd, which turns Townhall into a better version of what West Sixth used to be on Friday and Saturday nights. Not quite a nightclub, but as close to a nightclub as Ohio City gets. 1909 West 25th St., 216-3449400, townhallohiocity.com. Velvet Tango Room Before bacon-infused this and artisanal bitter that and the revolution of the modern cocktail, the Velvet Tango Room was slinging incomparably good classic cocktails with little distinction and no ballyhoo. That changed, of course, as the VTR became the best-known secret in Cleveland — one with a set of rules for decorum issued by owner Paulius Nasvytis, which he instituted in 1996 after buying the building for just $35,000. When Duck Island blows up in the coming years, remember who set up shop there first. 2095 Columbus Ave., 216-2418869, velvettangoroom.com. Whiskey Island Still & Eatery Whiskey Island is Cleveland summer. And what’s surprising to us is how few Clevelanders have been there, let alone know about it. Edgewater is a beautiful beach now thanks to the Metroparks, which probably means more people will find Whiskey Island this year than ever before. But it’s a gem on its own, a bastion of underthe-sun daydrinking on the gorgeous shores of Lake Erie that will have you forgetting, at least temporarily, that you’re in Cleveland. And no bar on a beach is complete without live music, which you’ll find just about every night at the fabulous Whiskey Island Still & Eatery. 2800 Whiskey Island, 216-631-1800, whiskeyislandstillandeatery.net.
CLEGUIDE2016CITY LIVING
For Those About to Rock
OhioSounds bill would provide tax credits for bands that record here By Jeff Niesel couple of years ago, 8th District representative Kent Smith and Beachland coowner Cindy Barber, whom he’s know since the 1990s when she edited The Free Times and he contributed articles as a freelancer, had a conversation about the general state of the arts in Ohio and how difficult it is for rock and pop bands to find the resources they need to record their music. A light bulb went off in Smith’s head. Smith, a Democrat, came up with the idea of a tax credit for bands that record in Ohio and thought it might help lure artists to the state and keep local artists from going elsewhere to record. He looked at similar legislation from Louisiana, noticed some of the problems with that legislation and came up with the idea for a bill. Smith then recruited representative Sarah LaTourette, a Republican, to help him draft HB 269 — OhioSounds, a bill that would create the Ohio Sound Recording Investor Tax Credit, a 25-percent tax credit for sound recording production projects that cost more than $5,000. A total of $3 million would be allocated for the calendar year. Just last month, Smith spoke before the Ways and Means Committee as he tried to garner support for the bill. During his 10-point talk, he outlined Ohio’s diverse musical history and referenced everything from the Moondog Coronation Ball to Cincinnati’s King Records
Kent Smith and the Wings Over Jordan Choir that was founded at Gethsemane Baptist Church in Cleveland in 1935. He mentioned the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, which has seen some 10 million visitors pass through its doors in the 20 years that it’s been open. And he talked about Cleveland-based Alternative Press magazine and Gotta Groove Records, one of only a handful of vinyl pressing plants that exist in the country. “Today is a nutty day,” he says one recent afternoon from Tastebuds, the eastside eatery where everyone seems to know his name. As he hoists a big briefcase full of paperwork onto the luncheon table, he’s explains that he’s also in the midst of trying to prep a presentation on microbeads, the plastic beads that are polluting Lake Erie. “I think the creative sector is an even more compelling economic driver than high
tech,” he says when asked about the motivation for the OhioSounds bill. “Part of it is the collaborative nature of the creative sector and the notion that innovation has to consistently occur.” Smith, who grew up in Euclid with parents who were teachers, says he always wanted to “make a difference.” “In my junior-high years when I could finally distinguish between fact and fiction, I read about the Civil Rights Movement,” he says. “I was shocked and then relieved to see that government could step in and alleviate some of the problems. I wasn’t doing a deep dive on race relations but as I was coming through middle school in the late ’70s and early ’80s, the Civil Rights Movement had made it into my textbooks and the notion of the Kennedy brothers standing up to segregationist Southern
governors and ending Jim Crow — that was what caused me to think there could be justice in the world and government could do something about it.” During the 1990s and 2000s, Smith was also the doorman at nightclubs such as the nowshuttered Brillo Pad and Touch Supper Club, which recently reopened. He left the doorman business behind when he was elected as a member of the Euclid school board. He served on the board for 12 years, a gig that ended at the 2013 when he was elected to the Ohio State House. As he drafted H.B. 269, he consulted local acts such as the now-defunct hard-rock act Disengage to get a sense of how much it costs to record an album. “[Graphic artist] Derek Hess mentioning [Disengage] was the first I had heard of them,” he says when asked how he came to know the guys in the band.
Scene Archives
A
Clint Holley, lacquer engineer at Gotta Groove
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For Those About to Rock, cont.
Scene Archives
people, it’s not going to survive “I would go to the shows and another allocation,” he says. “So I was blown away. I have clear we want everyone to play nice, memories of a House of Blues but we also don’t want bands show as well as other shows.” to have to hire accountants and He also talked to members tax attorneys to be able to take of indie acts such as Goldmines advantage of the program.” and Angela Perley and the Howling Moons. In midFebruary, he enlisted a slew of Ohio-based record industry types to testify before the Ways and Means Committee. Producer Jim Stewart of Jim Stewart Recording, the Beachland’s Cindy Barber, Gotta Groove Records’ Vince Slusarz and Lava Room Recording Studios’ Mike Brown talked about the bill’s many benefits. “The limit is Louisiana is $5,000,” Smith explains. “They have a two-tired system. It’s $5,000 for instate, $15,000 for out-ofstate residents. You have the Sepultura problem, Cindy Barber, Beachland Ballroom which is: Where does With a cap, it’s not likely [singer] Derek Green live? What major label acts would flock to I said was that I didn’t want to Ohio, but Smith wouldn’t be create a heyday for attorneys opposed if they did. who try to figure out where “I really want to support Derek Green lives. I said, ‘Let’s bands that are on the cusp lose that in- versus out-of-state of success,” he says. “I don’t thing because it’s going to know how much it costs to throw us off.’” make a Rolling Stones album. By doing a Yellow Pages I don’t know if I want them to search, he found 325 recording take advantage of this, though studios in the state, though he I would want them to come in admits some might be out of and record in Ohio. The largest business. refund they would get would “It’s safe to say there are over be $50,000. Or Dave Grohl, 300 studios,” he says. “If this who is originally from Warren: legislation goes through, we’re Wouldn’t that be great if he going to contact those 300. would come in?” They’ll become the vehicle to And he admits the program get out-of-state bands in. They would ultimately be a work-inhave their client list. We can just progress. do the ‘Six Degrees of Kevin “When I was on the Euclid Bacon.’ If they tell their client school board and we were list, whether they’re in-state or trying to massage policy, I out-of-state, within two steps would say, ‘Let’s try this and if it’ll be known. We don’t have it doesn’t work, we can change to do huge marketing. The it,’” he says. “The film tax credit industry itself will let this be is proof of that. They started known.” at $10 million and took it to 20. Assuming the bill passes, We as legislators need to put it’ll be the first government program that Smith has created. this in place and then massage it to the left or right, and I don’t “If the first $3 million gets mean that politically.” allocated to the same nine
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CROSS THE THRESHOLD INTO ALTERNATIVE THEATRE!
by Robert O’Hara | Directed by Terrence Spivey Hilarious, offensive, rule-breaking satire about growing up black and gay in modern America. Regional premiere. March 25 - april 16
THRee TaLL WoMen
2016 SeaSon
by Edward Albee | Directed by Tom Kondilas. Strange and compelling drama by a modern American master. May 20 - June 11
HaRBoR
by Chad Beguelin | Directed by Cory Molner. Newlyweds Kevin and Ted run into sidesplitting conflict when they contemplate adoption in this heartwarming comedy of modern family. Ohio premiere. July 8 - 30
SeLFIeS aT THe CLoWn MoTeL
by Chris Johnston | Directed by Clyde Simon. Clowns can be funny, sad and sometimes scary – and in this world-premiere production, by Cleveland playwright Chris Johnston, they can be very human, too. aug 26 - Sept 17
LIKe I SaY
by Len Jenkin | Directed by Tyson Douglas Rand. A comic whirlwind of a play with stories within stories, weird puppet shows, an Alpine zombie resort, and much more. A truly wild ride. Ohio premiere. oct 14 - nov 5
THe KnIFe IS MoneY, THe FoRK IS LoVe
by Jonathan Wilhelm | Directed by Geoffrey Hoffman. A meta-theatrical mystery comedy unfolds in this absurdist world-premiere production by Cleveland playwright Jonathan Wilhelm. Dec 7 - 17
At the
Liminis Theater
2438 Scranton Rd, Cleveland 44113 in the historic Tremont neighborhood Tickets: $15 gen. admission, $12 seniors, $10 students at convergence-continuum.org and 216.687.0074 Closing nights are SAVE THE LIMINIS THEATER benefit nights. Show and after-party with cast and crew: $50
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CLEGUIDE2016CITY LIVING
Straight Outta Shaker
From a violin in Shaker Heights to scores for Nike and LeBron, the circuitous path to success of producer Alex Hitchens By Jordan Zirm or most people, the opportunity to work on a project that features LeBron James would be the pinnacle of a career. But for Alex “Big Juice” Hitchens, a Shaker Heights native and music producer extraordinaire, success had already found him in a big way: He’d already won a Grammy before Nike and “The King” came calling for his services. Tapped to create a score for a video promoting the Nike LeBron 13, James’ latest signature shoe, Hitchens crushed it, so much so that Nike was hitting up his phone a few months later to have him do the same for the Kobe XI, the last shoe Kobe Bryant will wear on the court before he retires. Scene caught up with Hitchens to talk playing violin, winning a freaking Grammy, and collaborating with two of the most celebrated NBA players in the game.
First things first: What’s going on in Shaker Heights? You, Kid Cudi, Machine Gun Kelly: That’s a lot of creatives coming from one place. We’re always joking, like there’s something in the water fountain there. Our class and other classes, we never hesitated to try and mingle with each other. We all had different life experiences. We just hung out with everybody. I grew up playing the violin. Being an African-American kid in the orchestra, I was constantly
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Photo courtesy of Alex Hitchens
F
getting different experiences. It was a direct music influence that carried over to what I do now. I’m able to do hip-hop, I’m able to do some EDM stuff, be it with DJ EV, or scoring stuff for Nike, the classical and cinematic stuff. I contribute that versatility to the versatility that you get from going somewhere like Shaker Heights.
Was the violin your first foray into music? I started playing when I was 4 years old. I go back and forth with my mom. She says I saw it on TV and wanted to play. I always say she forced me to play it (laughs). Either way it turned out good for both of
us. I started young, learned the basics. As you get older, you start to find your niche and try to be part of the cool kids. There were so many times I tried to quit. I didn’t think it was cool. I even came home with a different instrument one day. My mom was like, “What are you doing? Are you quitting orchestra?” She made me take it back. I struggled to accept the violin and what it looked like to my peers. It was one of those times I wanted to throw in the towel. She wouldn’t let me. Obviously it paid off.
What got you to change your musical hobby into production?
I loved hip-hop since I was young. But my parents were really conservative growing up. I couldn’t even watch the Simpsons. Hip-hop was a very delicate thing, especially because as hip-hop progressed in the mid to late ’90s, it became more aggressive and strong language. The first tape I snuck was Jay-Z’s Hard Knock Life Vol. 2. What I would do is play hip-hop songs on my violin during orchestra class in between our pieces. It would drive my teacher crazy, like, “What are you doing?” I was playing Master P’s “Bout It Bout It.” From ninth grade all the way through my senior year, me and my buddies were just experimenting with hip-hop production. It wasn’t until I got to college that I got serious about it.
How did things sort of take off in college? When I got to college, that was the first time I was able to get around rappers. My freshman year (at Central State University), I actually got my hands on a computer. I’m not going to say how I got my hands on a computer, but I think the second or third week of school, we discovered a building that was left open. I think I’m past the statute of limitations. I brought it back to my dorm room, and started making beats in my room. People starting discovering that, hey, this guy makes beats. So I started having rappers
Straight Outta Shaker, cont. come through my dorm. We would just sit around and they’d rap on the beats that I made, literally in-between classes. Then I got my hands on a microphone. I saved a little money, went in to town and bought a mic and put it in my dorm room and hooked it up to my computer and started recording these rappers. So we actually started making songs, and this was the first time I got someone to rap on my music. That was one of those landmark moments. I started charging guys $20 an hour. Everybody wanted to come through, so I was like, I need to figure out how to make some money off this. That literally was my job. It eventually got out of control because I had guys from off campus trying to come and record, and I had cafeteria workers coming. I was like, “Wait, wait, wait.” Like 3 in the morning, people would be knocking on my door like, “I’ve got a couple verses I need to lay down!” I had class at 8 a.m.; I can’t be up doing this. But it was a fun experience, and there’d be no way I’m doing what I do now without the experience of working with guys like that. It was huge to what I’m doing now.
You eventually linked up with the rapper Lecrae and wound up winning a Grammy for work you did on his album Gravity. How’d that happen? I would put my music up on Myspace, and just hit all types of rappers. Major, mid major, minor, whoever it was. Anyone that I saw as a national recording artist I would try to reach out to. Nobody was hitting me back. I did have this one guy from St. Louis named Thi’sl, he’s a national recording artist, but he’s more of an inspirational style rapper. He hit me back and happened to like the song that I thought, hey this fits you. Because I was trying to be real specific with these guys. And he was like, “Yo, I love this beat, what’s going on with it?” We ended up working
together after three months of talking. He relayed my information to a guy he was good friends with named Lecrae. I kind of knew who Lecrae was, and he was one of the guys I was hitting up but wouldn’t respond. So I was a little starstruck when he hit me up. He said, “I heard the music you did from my buddy Thi’sl, this is solid stuff, I want to see if we can work together.” It was a gradual process, sending him music, sending him ideas. I actually ended up working with his label mates before I worked with him. Eventually, me and Lecrae were able to collaborate after a few years of kicking ideas around. I ended up being a part of his Grammy-award winning album Gravity. It won in 2013; I did a song called “No Regrets” that was on there.
What was winning the Grammy like? It was a really special night, we were all on a high for like a week. That really gave some validity to what I was doing. Not only self-affirmation, but it created conversations with people I may not have gotten before, just because it’s on the resume. I remember being in the living room at home, and my mom being like, “You’re playing the same loop over and over and over! What are you doing?” It didn’t make sense to her at the time. She was like, “What are you doing? You need to go out and get a job!” So I always come back to moments like that and laugh about it. Like, “Remember when you hated that loop? That’s now a plaque.” We can laugh about it now.
And that, obviously, has led to your work creating scores for Nike videos with both LeBron James and Kobe Bryant involving their latest shoes I cut my teeth with hip-hop, obviously, but I’ve always loved filmed stuff. I still love the
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Straight Outta Shaker, cont.
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JUNE 2-AUGUST 13, 2016 THE TOXIC AVENGER 6/2-26 Béla Fleck and the Flecktones 6/10
featuring Victor Wooten, Roy “Futureman” Wooten and Howard Levy
Cain Park Arts Festival 7/8-10 GroundWorks DanceTheater 7/15-17 Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Sweet Honey in the Rock 7/16 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy 7/30 Alex Zerbe-The Zaniac Comedy Show 8/3 Dancing Wheels 8/12 The Doo Wops 8/13 . . . and more!!
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orchestra, and I love movies. If I could meet any music celebrity, Hans Zimmer would probably be No. 1 on that list. Purple Films, I managed to connect with them. Most of what they were using were hip-hop based loops. I was like, “Hey guys, I have scores, I have strings and stuff that might accentuate what you guys are doing.” We built a relationship, and had done a video with Kyrie Irving a few years ago. So they call me on a Thursday like, “Hey, we’re shooting LeBron on Saturday for a shoe release and the video is going up on Monday. But we need the music on Saturday.” So I’ve got 48 hours to create the music for this huge opportunity with Nike and LeBron. Mind you, they were shooting on Saturday, so I had no visuals to work with. I was going in blind hoping something would stick. I’m racking my brain Thursday night, all day Friday. I don’t think inspiration struck until Friday evening, and they had to have it Saturday morning. So I was pretty much working all night and sent it to them at 6 in the morning.
www.cainpark.com
They said, “We need a score, something majestic for LeBron. Triumphant but emotional.” That was about it. With films, the composers work based on the shooting. A lot of guys have software where the video is playing while they make the music. So this was very unconventional the way we did it. I didn’t hear anything Saturday, all day Sunday. I’m like, “Oh god, they didn’t use it.” I was like, “Oh, they probably used some stock sound, or they didn’t like it.” I then get a text on Monday at like 2 a.m. It said “Hey the music was great. We’re editing now.” I was like, “Okay, cool. They got it, it’s fitting in somehow, but it’s still got to be approved by Nike and LeBron.” I get another text at 6:30 a.m. that says, “LeBron just approved it.” I was like, “Wow, this may have worked!” So the video launched
and the response was just absolutely amazing. For me, it was really special. Obviously it’s a hometown thing, very sentimental; I have a lot of friends in Akron, I go back and forth a lot. So to be a part of that, of telling that story, was awesome. It’s still sinking in. I think the turnaround was so quick I didn’t have a chance to take in what happened. But it’s been cool to look back on. It might be as significant to me as the Grammy.
And then Nike came calling again for you to produce the score for the Kobe XI, the last shoe he’ll ever wear on court. Did you feel extra pressure with that opportunity? Thankfully, this process was a little more considerate timewise for me. I was able to get the video and write the score to the video, versus the LeBron one where it was a shot in the dark. There was definitely a heightened sense of pressure with that, because it’s Kobe’s last shoe. It was telling more of a story than LeBron, because (Kobe’s) career highlights were in the video. It was tribute/ highlight/shoe video. I felt a level of pressure but it was good pressure. There was an air of confidence going in to that because of what I was able to do with the LeBron piece, and that Nike called me back. It lets you know you’re on the right track. I had about a week and some change to work on it. I was able to collaborate with the videographer. So I would send it to him, and he’d be like, “Okay, I like this; I don’t like this.” We were able to bounce ideas off of Nike without saying, “Hey, this is the final product.” The team over at Nike was ecstatic about it. They loved the flow, they loved the Social Network kind of sound to it with the big, majestic score. We wanted to mix the modern with the triumphant, and we were able to do it. Tip of the cap to Nike for being precise and clear with what they wanted.
GREATNESS
RUNS IN THE FAMILY REAL KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON
AGED LONGER, DEEPER CHAR,
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NEVER COMPROMISE. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. WILD TURKEY® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Bottled by Wild Turkey Distilling Company, Lawrenceburg, KY. ©2015 Campari America, San Francisco, CA.
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CLEGUIDE2016CITY LIVING
Photo courtesy of Canopy Collective
Canopy Collective
Made in Cleveland
The places to visit and things to pick up to take home a slice of Cleveland By Rachel Hunt
O
utdoor markets like The Cleveland Flea, Cleveland Bazaar, and Night Market Cleveland have become extremely popular events drawing customers to underutilized locations throughout our city. If you’ve been among the 35,000 people estimated to have attended just one of these vendor-based marketplaces within the past year, you know how large the creative economy in Cleveland has become. These mega-shows seem to have given start-ups the confidence to get over that “Mistake on the Lake” mindset and embrace it once and for all. Even though these particular festivals are a relatively new way to shop in Cleveland, the number of vendors at each event
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is constantly growing. Many small businesses have been able to build their brands from a surplus of shoppers, so much so that they can afford to stay open year round in their own storefronts. One thing is for certain; there is no shortage of talent amongst these hometown hustlers who work hard to represent Cleveland, one T-shirt at a time. For those looking for the best souvenirs the city has to offer, we have a few ideas. Cleveland Clothing Co. got their start at a Southpark Mall kiosk in 2009 during the holiday shopping season. Today, they have expanded to include two brick and mortar locations (342 Euclid Ave. & 11435 Euclid Ave.) as well as their boutique Native Cleveland (15813 Waterloo
Rd.) which carries not only their apparel, but items from local artists throughout Cuyahoga County. They strive to spread city pride via clothing that features everything from the Cleveland Clothing Co. logo, to old school emblems like The WMMS Buzzard, Cleveland slogans, and tons of sports team ware (including a Bertman Ballpark mustard tee). Their “Heritage” collection features shirts that say, “I stole the Keeshka!” for men and women. They have an extremely comprehensive collection of specialty items too, including corn hole boards. (http://www.cleclothingco.com) April Bleakney, the artist and designer behind APE Made started printing Ohio inspired
canvases, prints, and other wearable souvenirs in 2011. After years of selling exclusively online and at holiday or summer craft shows, she was recently able to open a print studio and showroom in her live-work space nestled in the Loft Works Building (1667 E. 40th Street, Suite 2G). Her line has evolved to carry coasters, glassware, flasks, sweater dresses, and dope pullovers (one was rocked by Ramon Rivas II on a recent Comedy Central “Comedians to Watch” segment). She designed a special Cleveland seal that shows up on key chains, coasters, and tank tops in the store. For those that can read Latin, the seal roughly translates to “City on the lake, river that burns”. Her recent
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Made in Cleveland, cont.
Photo: Janet Century
——-
13015 Larchmere Blvd. Shaker Heights, OH 44120 www.loganberrybooks.com books@logan.com 216.795.9800
Should have ordered that...
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Should have ordered that...
Nick’s Stuff is the Best!
projects include commissioned work for the Hilton downtown, so look for the large-scale, multi-layered screen prints in the hallways of the new hotel when it opens in July. (http:// apemadeohio.com) Another Cleveland tee brand that stands apart from the others is So Cle Tees. Designed by Kim Henderson, the shirts pay homage to music associated with the city: polka and soul. While Henderson doesn’t have her own store, you can buy online or at local Cle-centric boutiques like Salty Not Sweet (2074 W. 25th Street), Cosmic Bobbins (13226 Shaker Square), or In the 216 (1854 Coventry Rd.), three businesses that go above and beyond to gather the best items made by those living in the area. (http://www. kimhendersondesign.com/socle) Looking for clothing that says “Cleveland” a little more subtly? Banyan Tree has three locations: Tremont, Uptown, and in the Warehouse District. Owner Christie Murdoch is the designer behind Figwood, a clothing line exclusive to the store and supplemented with local wholesale artists and jewelers. (http://www.shopbanyantree. com) Room Service (2078 W. 25th St.) is another fashion boutique worth checking out for their charming party dresses, locally made soy candles, and men’s grooming kits. (http://www. rscleveland.com) In the suburbs, Wicked Sugar can satisfy a lady’s sweet tooth with trendy handbags, fashion jewelry, and accessories. The store is the brainchild of sisters Kelly Hirsch and Katie Kekelik. Both attended the esteemed fashion-merchandising program at Kent State University and wanted to cater to a multigenerational cross section of women. They’ll help outfit you if you find yourself in town for a best friend’s wedding without the right clutch to match your dress. (http:// wickedsugarfashion.com/) Coffee beans are another way to savor smoky tannins organically roasted in Cleveland
without being physically here to enjoy a fresh brewed cup. Sending a bag to relatives with a refined palate is easy with Rising Star (http://risingstarcoffee. com), Phoenix Coffee (http:// phoenixcoffee.com), and Six Shooter Coffee (http://www. sixshootercoffee.com) having various retail locations and roasteries around the city. Art galleries like Canopy (3910 Lorain Ave.) do double duty, catering not only to local artists that exhibit there, but also to vintage furniture lovers. They have several vintage vendors displayed in their wide windowed showroom, curated alongside prints that feature local landmarks and architecturally poignant buildings, like the old Ohio City Ice Cream Shop or West Side Market, from illustrator Amber Esner. Customers must weave their way through narrow aisles to find cards, pins, and laser-etched journal holders by Memora Bilia, framed prints from Allison Scarpulla depicting the Cuyahoga countryside, and necklaces with Ohio oddities bottled up in vials. Local comic book artists John G. and Jake Kelly sell their cult classic series “Lake Erie Monster” at the store so long as they can keep them in stock. (http://canopycollective.com) Canopy has a modest collection of books by local poets and authors but if you want a wider selection to browse, travel to Guide to Kulchur (5900 Detroit), a small press and bookshop located in the Gordon Square neighborhood. They carry zines and other small press publications in addition to an assortment of used and new titles in hardcover and paperback. They also host book signings and readings by local and national literati. (http:// guidetokulchurcleveland.com) We can help you find the best brands, books, and artwork that Cleveland has to offer, just don’t ask us how to take it all home with you.
2016 Show Schedule All of our guests at Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows receive CUSTOM VENDOR GUIDES, which include exclusive offers and discounts available only at that show!
MARCH
2016
2016 ROCKY RIVER SPRING SHOW
Rocky River Memorial Hall (NEXT TO THE REC CENTER) 21016 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, OH 44116 Saturday & Sunday- March 12th and 13th, 2016 10:00am-5:00pm on Saturday 11:00am-5:00pm on Sunday
Nearly 100 handmade juried artists and crafters! Admission $3.00, children under 12 free! A portion of proceeds donated to the local non-profit, Project Night Night.
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2016
2016 CANTON SPRING SHOW
St. George Serbian Center 4667 Applegrove St. NW | North Canton, OH 44720 Sunday, April 10th, 2016 10:00am-5:00pm
Nearly 100 handmade juried artists and crafters! Admission $3.00, children under 12 free! A portion of proceeds donated to the local non-profit, Flashes of Hope.
PRESENT THIS AD FOR $1.00 OFF ADMISSION APRIL
STRONGSVILLE SPRING SHOW 2016 2016 Strongsville Ehrnfelt Recreation Center 18100 Royalton Rd., Strongsville, OH 44136 Saturday- April 23rd, 2016 10:00am-5:00pm Nearly 100 handmade juried artists and crafters! Admission $3.00, children under 12 free! A portion of proceeds donated to the local non-profit, Wigs for Kids.
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2016
2016 STRONGSVILLE FALL SHOW
Strongsville Ehrnfelt Recreation Center 18100 Royalton Rd., Strongsville, OH 44136 Saturday- November 12th, 2016 10:00am-5:00pm
Nearly 100 handmade juried artists and crafters! Admission $3.00, children under 12 free! A portion of proceeds donated to the local non-profit, Northeast Ohio Make a Wish Foundation.
PRESENT THIS AD FOR $1.00 OFF ADMISSION
DEC
2016
2016 CANTON WINTER SHOW
St. George Serbian Center 4667 Applegrove St. NW, North Canton, OH 44720 Saturday, December 3rd, 2016
10:00am-5:00pm Nearly 100 handmade juried artists and crafters! Admission $3.00, children under 12 free! A portion of proceeds donated to the local non-profit, Fostering Hope.
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MARCH
Cleveland’s Premier Traveling Art And Craft Show!
CHAGRIN FALLS SPRING SHOW 2016 2016 Federated Church- Family Life Center 16349 Chillicothe Road | Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 Saturday & Sunday- March 19th & 20th, 2016
10:00am-5:00pm on Saturday | 11:00am-5:00pm on Sunday Nearly 100 handmade juried artists and crafters! Admission $3.00, children under 12 free! A portion of proceeds donated to the local non-profit, Drink Local. Drink Tap.
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APRIL
2016
2016 FAIRLAWN SPRING SHOW
St. George’s Fellowship Centre 3204 Ridgewood Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333 Saturday, April 16th, 2016 10:00am-5:00pm
Nearly 100 handmade juried artists and crafters! Admission $3.00, children under 12 free! A portion of proceeds donated to the local non-profit, Camp Quality.
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2016
2016 FAIRLAWN FALL SHOW St. George’s Fellowship Centre 3204 Ridgewood Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333 Saturday, November 5th, 2016
10:00am-5:00pm Nearly 100 handmade juried artists and crafters! Admission $3.00, children under 12 free! A portion of proceeds donated to the local non-profit, Paws & Prayers.
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2016
2016 ROCKY RIVER FALL
Rocky River Memorial Hall (NEXT TO THE REC CENTER) 21016 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, OH 44116 Saturday & Sunday- November 19th and 20th, 2016 10:00am-5:00pm on Saturday | 11:00am-5:00pm on Sunday
Nearly 100 handmade juried artists and crafters! Admission $3.00, children under 12 free! A portion of proceeds donated to the local non-profit, the Karen Foundation for MS.
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DEC CHAGRIN FALLS WINTER SHOW 2016 2016Federated Church- Family Life Center
16349 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 Saturday & Sunday- December 10th and 11th, 2016
10:00am-5:00pm on Saturday | 11:00am-5:00pm on Sunday Nearly 100 handmade juried artists and crafters! Admission $3.00, children under 12 free! A portion of proceeds donated to the local non-profit, Cleveland Animal Protective League.
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www.avantgardeshows.com
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CLEGUIDE2016CITY LIVING
The Year in Awesome By Scene Staff
T
he typical Clevelander’s calendar is jam-packed with the city’s many wonderful events. There’s so much to do! It’s a big city, and both the downtown core and the ring of diverse neighborhoods offer waves of fun each month. We’ve assembled a list of our favorites for the whole year here. Plan your outings accordingly. Dates, when available, reflect 2016 listings. (In addition to these, which we love, be sure to put Scene’s events on your schedule: Vodka Vodka on March 12 at RED Space; the downtown Willoughby Rib Burn Off on May 21 and 22 in downtown Willoughby; Cleveland Fiesta combining tacos and tequila in the Flats from May 27 through May 29; Scene’s 8th annual Ale Fest in Tremont on July 30; Scene’s third annual Pig & Whiskey fest in Willoughby from August 26 to 28; Whiskey Business on November 11 at RED Space; and Flavor, our celebration of all things Cleveland food, on December 15 at the Cleveland Museum of Art.)
January Cleveland Winter Beerfest At press time, the third annual Cleveland Winter Beerfest is receding into the rearview, and this year’s installment was another hit. Think about it: This is a city whose newfound economic strides are built at least partially on brewing tanks. Winter Beerfest features more than 350 craft brews. Local, national, and everything in between: Winter Beerfest is awesome. It’ll come back around in late January 2017.
February Brite Winter There’s probably nothing more quintessentially “Cleveland” than a raging music festival spanning multiple city blocks in a craft beer-fueled neighborhood in February. Or, more to the point, outdoors in February. Festival-goers shiver their way through sets from the city’s and region’s and, in some cases, country’s coolest bands. The beer flows like red wine and the food — we love to eat local — is delicious.
March Dyngus Day Maybe you don’t know what a “dyngus” is. Maybe
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you do. (We certainly don’t, anyway.) But you know that things are right in the world when some stranger starts spraying you with a super soaker while you’re halfway through your third plate of pierogi. Appropriated locally from the world’s largest organized Dyngus Day celebration in Buffalo, the Easter Monday festival has become a huge hit in Cleveland. We recommend an afternoon in DetroitShoreway. (March 28)
April CIFF Evolving over several decades into a must-attend titan of an event, the Cleveland International Film Festival brings hundreds of films to the theaters at Tower City. All told, the 2015 event saw nearly 100,000 people flock to the movies. With a savvy eye for insightful art and a region that loves good movies, CIFF is only gonna get bigger and better. Film schedules are published in late February. (March 30 to April 10)
May Hessler Street Fair Conceived in 1969 as a block party (and later abandoned amid the notso-hip 1980s), the Hessler Street Fair has evolved into
one of the biggest and most involved parties of its kind. It’s a free event that sort of opens the floodgates for summertime neighborhood fun in Cleveland. There’s plenty to go around — pass it to your left, as they say, or is that something else? — and it all begins at Hessler. (May 21 - 22)
June LaureLive Here’s a new one for you. LaureLive is a two-day music festival set to take place at Laurel School, an all-girls (K-12) independent school in Shaker Heights. Though the setting seems unusual, the lineup is stacked: Grace Potter, O.A.R., Michael Franti and Spearhead are headlining, with the lower bill filled out by Elle King, Red Wanting Blue, ZZ Ward and more. We’re excited. Weekend passes start at $115. Check laurelive.com for more information. (June 11 - 12)
July Burning River Fest We’re known nationally for those times the Cuyahoga River caught fire, so we decided to just run with it and make it another reason to party. The Burning River Foundation’s annual event is a wonderful blend of good
music, good beer, and good ecological awareness-raising. Held at Whiskey Island, the event is a great climactic moment in our Cleveland summers. We hear you can also get a summertime taste of Great Lakes Christmas Ale there too... Dates weren’t announced until April last year, so do stay tune on that front. (TBA)
August Feast of the Assumption If you only make it to Little Italy once in a blue moon, you might as well make it during that heady August weekend known as the Feast of the Assumption. While there’s a religious angle in there somewhere, we love the festival for its abundance of cultural displays and the delicious food being sold literally everywhere you turn. This event attracts massive wandering crowds, so do stay alert. (We also recommend you check out the neighborhood on nonFeast days sometime, too.) (Aug. 15)
September Chalk Festival Begun in 1990 as a modern riff on an old classic -- 16thcentury beggars in Italy would copy paintings of the Madonna by Raphael and his contemporaries -- the
KentStage The
DON’T MISS THESE GREAT SHOWS • TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Hard Day’s Night
Robert Randolph
Sat, Mar. 5th
& The Family Band Thu., Mar 10
Eileen Ivers
Albert Cummings
Sun, Mar. 13
Lucinda Williams Sat., Mar. 26
Glass Harp Sat., May 7th
Delta Rae Fri., Mar. 11
FireHouse
Thu., Mar. 17
plus special guests: 11After Fri., Mar. 18
Ani DeFranco
SuperMonkey
Fri., Apr. 1
Todd Rundgren
w/John Ferenzik, Jesse Gress, Prairie Prince & Kasim Sulton
Mon. & Tue., May 16 & 17
Sun., Apr24
Scott Stapp
David Cook Sat., Mar. 12
Ron Holloway Band Thu., Mar. 24
Jonathan Edwards w/Alex Bevan Fri., Apr. 29
Check Out kentstage.org for more amazing shows
The Voice of Creed Wed., May 18th
ALL SHOWS AT THE KENT STAGE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED Tickets available at the kent stage box office bodega or online 175 East Main Street • Kent, Ohio 44240 • 877-987-6487 • www.kentstage.org
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The Year in Awesome, cont.
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
November
Cleveland Museum of Art’s annual Chalk Festival has really becoming a familyfriendly artistic peak of the year. Coming at the end of a long and wondrous summer, the Chalk Festival lights up Wade Oval in brilliant pastelinfused visions. Keep an eye out for the official date announcement. (TBA)
October St. Stanislaus Polish Festival Polish culture — and, most especially, the food — kinda goes hand in hand with Cleveland’s overall vibe. If you want to call this place home — and we know you do — you’d do well to get acquainted with your inner stuffed cabbage. The annual festival at Slavic Village’s St. Stanislaus is the perfect place to do just that. The fest is held in early October. (TBA)
Cleveland Comedy Fest Back in 2007, Comedy Fest co-founder Joe Hannum and his buddies were kicking around talk of Cleveland’s comedy scene and its place in the national community of funny business. “How come Cleveland doesn’t have a comedy festival? None of us really knew the answer,” he says. “And then somebody, and I don’t know who to blame for this, said, well, maybe we should create one. So that’s what we decided to do.” The event now attracts big names and big laughs from around the country. (TBA)
December Holiday CircleFest Ah, sweet December. Everything in the city glows bright throughout this month and the holiday season, right before we drop
Cleveland Winter Beerfest off into the more solemn months of the new years. Holiday CircleFest is a day of celebration in University Circle. The museums, galleries and gardens are offer free admission, and
live performances and games line the streets and sidewalks. The day’s fun concludes with the Cleveland Museum of Art’s winter lights lantern procession. (Dec. 4)
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CLEGUIDE2016LISTINGS GUIDE A Puff Above 27088 Lorain Rd, North Olmsted (440) 617-6882; facebook.com/ APuffAbove A Separate Reality Records 2678 W. 14th Street, Cleveland (216) 644-7934; aseparaterealityrecords.com Agostino’s 4640 Ridge Road, Brooklyn (216) 749-5509; agostinos.events Akron Art Museum One South High, Akron (330) 376-9185; akronartmuseum.org
SINCE 1941
y ea r s
All City Candy 746 Richmond Rd, Richmond Heights (216) 487-7070; allcitycandy.com Allstate Hairstyling & Barber College 2546 Lorain Ave, Cleveland (216) 241-6684; allstatehairstyling.com Appalachian Outfitters 60 Kendall Park Rd, Peninsula (330) 655-5444; appalachianoutfitters.com Appletree Books 12419 Cedar Rd, Cleveland (216) 791-2665; appletree-books.com Art Box 2245 Warrensville Center Rd., University Heights (216) 371-5505; theartboxpeople.com
Barrio Lakewood 15527 Madison Ave., Lakewood (216) 226-7714; barrio-tacos.com Beat Cycles 15608 Detroit Ave., Lakewood (440) 799-8788; beatcycles.com Beck Center 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood (216) 521-2540; beckcenter.org Big Egg 5107 Detroit Ave, Cleveland (216) 281-1600; thebigeggcleveland.com Black Sheep Boutique 15715 Madison Ave., Lakewood (216)221-7777; blacksheepboutiqueoh.com Blush Boutique 1783 Coventry Rd, Cleveland Heights (216) 721-5319; blushcleveland.com Bounce 2814 Detroit Ave., Cleveland (216) 696-0831; facebook.com/ bouncenightclubhingelounge Broadway Cyclery 665 Broadway Ave., Bedford (440) 735-2453; thebroadwaycyclery.com Cain Park 1823 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights (216) 371-3000; cainpark.com
Asia Plaza 2999 Payne Ave, Cleveland (216) 241-3553; asiaplazacleveland.com
Cantine 1100 W. Royalton Rd., Broadview Heights (440) 8779399; cantinebottleshop.com
Avante-Garde (440) 227-8794; avantegardeshows.com
Cara’s Boutique 30179 Detroit Rd, Westlake (440) 899-0050; carasboutique.com
Barley House 1261 W. 6th St., Cleveland (216) 623-1700; barleyhousecleveland.com Barrio Gateway 503 Prospect Ave., Cleveland (216) 862-4652; barrio-tacos.com
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Barrio Tremont 806 Literary Rd., Cleveland (216) 999-7714; barrio-tacos.com
Charles Scott Salon & Spas 19025 Lake Rd, Rocky River (440) 333-7994; charlesscott.com 294 Crocker Park Blvd, Westlake (440) 899-1957; charlesscott.com
Cigar Cigars Ohio City 2718 Lorain Ave., Cleveland (216) 965-0895; restyourash.com
MAR12 • RED SPACE
MAY19 • LAGO
Warm up the winter with a vodka event like no other. Sample dozens of vodkas, enjoy great music, and forget that spring is just around the corner.
We’re bringing a fresh look at the usual Best Of roundup. What great stuff is made in Cleveland? And what has Cleveland made great?
MAY21-22 • WILLOUGHBY
BANK MAY27-29 • FLATS EAST
Look for beer, wine & whiskey on Erie Street once again, and, of course, ribs from participating downtown Willoughby restaurants & national vendors.
National tequila brands offer tastings while local bars and restaurants vend specialty cocktails, tacos and other favorite southwestern dishes. Live music, contests, local artisans & entertainment.
JULY30 • LINCOLN PARK Ale Fest returns to Tremont’s Lincoln Park for its 8th year. Over 2,000 Clevelanders enjoy 100+ craft and premium beers, live music, local food, local vendors, lots of fun and games, and so much more!
AUG26-28 • WILLOUGHBY Pig & Whiskey is one of the summer’s most anticipated events. 50,000 of the area’s most enthusiastic BBQ and whiskey-lovers will converge for 2 days to feast on succulent food, enjoy incredibly curated local and national music and sample great beverages.
(TBD) • FLATS EAST BANK
SEPT30 • (TBD) Come celebrate with us while we enjoy a week of unforgettable food, live music, art and cocktails
.
NOV11 • RED SPACE In its 3rd year in Cleveland, this event allows you to sample over 100 whiskeys, bourbons, scotches, and mixed drinks. A great way to bring in the holidays!
Experience the season with a sampling of it’s drinks, food, and music. This will be a celebration featuring live music, craft brews, and great eats. Leading local restaurateurs, brewers, winemakers, mixologists, and artisans join together for an inspiring day of premier food,drinks,live music, and more.
DEC15 • (TBD) This event extends the value of Scene’s popular Flavor guide. Bringing together a tasting style event from area restaurants along with an Iron Chef-like competition.
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CLEGUIDE2016LISTINGS GUIDE Cigar Cigars Rocky River 21808 Center Ridge Rd., Rocky River (440) 333-5454; restyourash.com
D’Agnese’s 1100 W. Royalton Rd., Broadview Heights (440) 237-7378; dagneses.com
CLE Clothing Co. Downtown 342 Euclid Ave., Cleveland (216) 736-8879; cleclothingco.com
Dare2Care PO Box 22113, Beachwood 440.835.0664; dare2careusa.com
CLE Clothing Co. University Circle 11435 Euclid Ave., Cleveland (216) 465-9595; cleclothingco. com Cleveland Bike Docs 1001 Lorain Road, Cleveland (216) 334-2453 Cleveland Exotic Dance 3635 Perkins Ave, Cleveland (440) 941-7653; clevelandexoticdance.com
RAPPEL THE WESTIN CLEVELAND DOWNTOWN FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SATURDAY, JULY 2
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Cleveland Orchestra 11011 Euclid Ave., Cleveland (216) 231-1111; clevelandorchestra.com
Emerald Necklace Inn 18840 Lorain Rd, Fairview Park (440) 333-9100; emeraldnecklaceinn.com Evie Lou 2509 Professor Ave, Cleveland (216) 696-6675; evielou.com Fairmount Martini & Wine Bar 2448 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland (216) 229-9463; thefairmount.net
Coda 2247 Professor Ave., Cleveland (216) 274-1200; coda.danteboccuzzi.com
Flannery’s Pub 323 Prospect Ave. E., Cleveland (216) 781-7882; flannerys.com
Corner Alley Downtown 402 Euclid Ave., Cleveland (216) 298-4070; thecorneralley.com Corner Alley Uptown 11409 Euclid Ave., Cleveland (216) 678-9256; thecorneralley.com Cube Cleveland Multiple locations (216) 245-9629; workspace. cubecleveland.com
START A TEAM | CORPORATE PARTNERS | EVENT SPONSORSHIPS REGISTER ONLINE TODAY. ONLY 100 SPOTS AVAILABLE. 70 SCENE | CITYGUIDE
Edwins Leadership and Restaurant Institute 13101 Shaker Square, Cleveland (216) 921-3333; edwinsrestaurant.org
Cleveland Public Library 325 Superior Ave. E., Cleveland (216) 623-2800; cpl.org
Convergence Continuum 2440 Scranton Rd, Cleveland (216) 687-0074; convergencecontinuum.org
OVERTHEEDGE.HATTIELARLHAM.ORG
Dewitt Diamond & Gold Exchange Jeweler 530 Euclid Ave # 24, Cleveland (216) 621-6244; dewittsjewelry. com
Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter 9500 Sweet Valley Drive, Cleveland (216) 525-7877; cuyahogadogs.com
Flower Child 11508 Clifton Ave., Cleveland (216) 939-9933; flowerchildvintage.com 989 N. High St., Columbus (614) 297-8006; flowerchildvintage.com
Frugal Fortune 15408 Madison Ave, Lakewood (216) 889-3701; thefrugalfortunes. blogspot.com Future No Future Vintage Clothing 16008 Detroit Ave, Lakewood (216) 228-0530; futurenofuturevintage.com Great Lakes Science Center 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland (216) 694-2000; glsc.org Grind Burger 5604 Wilson Mills Rd., Highland Heights (440) 421-9721; grind-burger.com
Find Your Scent At ohio’s only perfumery devoted to artisanal fragrances from around the world. 12011 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107 | 216.767.5563 | www.indigoperfumery.com
Come, Taste The Island Spices
Vintage Tiffany & Co.
Authentic Jamaican Cuisine ut Take-O Only
Follow Us: tasteofjamaica5104
5104 Mayfield Rd. | Lyndhurst, OH 44124 | 440-565-7230
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12419 cedar at Fairmount cleveland hts., oh 44106 ~
independent since 1975
~
inFo@appletree-books.com phone:
216.791.2665
web: www. appletree-books.com
HOURS: closed mondays
Tuesday - Thursday 10 am - 6 pm Friday 10 am - 8 pm Saturday 10 am - 6 pm Sunday 12 noon - 4 pm parking available behind store
book orders accepted by phone & email
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2678 W. 14th Street
216.644.7934
THOUSANDS OF RARE RECORDS IN ALL GENRES!
We Buy & Sell!
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1854 Coventry Rd. Cleveland Heights, OH (216) 862-4830 We showcase both local artisans and fine artists. We exclusively offer locally & Ohio made art and handmade products.
CLEGUIDE2016LISTINGS GUIDE Gunselman’s Tavern 21490 Lorain Road, Cleveland (440) 331-5719; gunselmans.com Hard Rock Café 230 W. Huron Rd., Cleveland (216) 830-7625 hardrock.com/cafes/cleveland Harry Buffalo Various Locations harrybuffalo.com Hattie Larlham Executive Office 7996 Darrow Road, Suite 10, Twinsburg (330) 274-2273 ext. 3087; hattielarlham.org In the 216 1854 Coventry Rd, Cleveland (216) 862-4830; facebook.com/inthe216shop Indigo Perfumery 12011 Detroit Ave, Lakewood (216) 767-5563; indigoperfumery.com Jerold Optical 800 Huron Rd., Cleveland (216) 781-7900; jeroldoptical.com Joe’s Lakewood Computer 14035 Madison Ave, Lakewood (216) 651-3880; joeslakewoodcomputer.com
Adventure Gear Since 1988
+ Hiking + Climbing + Paddling + Exploration 60 Kendall Park Road Penninsula, Ohio 44264
330-655-5444 appalachianoutfitters.com CONNECT WITH US ON
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La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant 5115 Wilson Mills Rd. #1, Richmond Heights (440 442-1445; lafiestacleveland.com Loganberry Books 13015 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland (216) 795-9800; loganberrybooks.com Marengo Luxury Spa 401 Euclid Ave, Cleveland (216) 621-4600; marengospa.com Metropolitan at the 9 2017 E. 9th St., Cleveland (216) 239-1200; metropolitancleveland.com Metro Home Downtown 1717 E. 9th St., Cleveland (216) 860-1317; metrohomeohio.com
Metro Home Mentor 7835 Mentor Ave., Mentor (440) 205-1755; metrohomeohio.com Midwest Best Grooming mwbgroomingco.com Mike the Hatter 7976 Broadview Rd, Broadview Heights (440) 526-0100; mikethehatter.com Miller Lite millerlite.com Near West Theatre 6702 Detroit Ave., Cleveland (216) 961-6391; nearwesttheatre.org Nick’s Diner 4116 Lorain Ave, Cleveland 216-631-7757 Northcoast Promotions Inc PO Box 609401, Cleveland (216) 570-8201; northcoastpromo.com Northfield Park/Hard Rock 10777 Northfield Rd., Northfield (330) 908-7625; hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com Old Angle Tavern 1848 W 25th St, Cleveland (216) 861-5643; facebook.com/ Old.Angle.Tavern Packard Music Hall 1703 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren (330) 841-2619; packardmusichall.com Paper Trails of Rocky River 19146 Old Detroit Rd, Rocky River (440) 333-0033; shoppapertrails.com Pegasus Transit LLC 121 N. Leavitt Rd. #358, Amherst (440) 989-2123; pegasustransitllc.com Perk-cUp! Cafe 561 W. Bagley Road, Berea 440-243-2233 perkcupcafe.com Pierre’s Ice Cream 6200 Euclid Ave., Cleveland (216) 432-1144; www.pierres.com
Visit Cara's Boutique, Cleveland's premier destination for women's clothing, accessories, jewelry and gifts.
‘
CB
Caras Boutique
30179 Detroit Road • Westlake, OH 44145 • 440-899-0050
Conveniently located in The Promenade at Crocker Park, in Westlake. www.carasboutique.com www.facebook.com/carasboutique SCENE | CITYGUIDE 75
FIND YOUR FORTUNE! Home Decor & Vintage Furniture 15408 MADISON AVE., LAKEWOOD
216.889.3701
Look for new treasure @ instagram.com/FrugalFortune
CLEGUIDE2016LISTINGS GUIDE Portside Distillery 983 Front Ave, Cleveland (216) 586-6633; portsidedistillery.com
Town Hall 1909 W. 25th St., Cleveland (216) 344-9400; townhallohiocity.com
Prime Limousine 1321 Pearl Rd Brunswick (330)-220-6318; limobrunswickoh.info
True North 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village (440) 949-5200 ext. 221; tncarts.org
Pro Football Hall of Fame 2121 George Halas Dr. NW, Canton (330) 456-8207; profootballhof.com
SOLD HERE
blacksheepboutiqueoh.com 216-221-7777
Prospect Music 818 Huron Rd., Cleveland (216) 621-5409; prospectmusicstore.com
Vanguard 13540 Detroit Ave., Lakewood (216) 521-8222; vanguardcleveland.net
Puff N Stuff Mayfield Heights: 6627 Mayfield Road, Cleveland (440) 442-5474 Kent: 4223 E. Main Street, Kent (330) 673-5270
Vedas Fitness 1360 E. 9th St (In the IMG Building), Cleveland (216) 298-5115; vedasfitness.com
Robusto & Briar 1388 Riverside Dr, Lakewood (216) 767-5338; robustobriar.com Spirits 1276 W 6th St, Cleveland (216) 621-5000; spiritscleveland.com Stadium Mustard stadiummustard.com Tabletop Board Game Café 1810 W. 25th St, Cleveland (216) 512-3053; tabletopcleve.com Taste of Jamaica 5104 Mayfield Rd., Lyndhurst (440) 565-7230 Thyme 2 113 West Smith Road, Medina (330) 764-4114; thymetherestaurant.com
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Urban Orchid 1455 W. 29th St., Cleveland (216) 785-3619; theurbanorchid.com
Voodoo Monkey 2070 W. 25th St., Cleveland (216) 664-5658; voodoomonkey.org Wicked Sugar Fashion Jewelry 10252 W 130th St, Strongsville (440) 628-8022; wickedsugarfasion.com Windwood Properties 13620 Detroit Ave., Lakewood (216) 521-2200; winwoodprop. com Woodsy’s Music 135 South Water St., Kent (330) 673-1525; woodsys.com Zocalo Mexican Grill & Taquileria 2071 E. 4th St., Cleveland (216) 781-0420; zocalocleveland.com
Blush Boutique Stylish & Contemporary Fashions
Winner of Best Eastside Boutique, 2013, 2014 & 2015 Cleveland Magazine 1783 Coventry Road Cleveland Heights 216.721.5319 New Location 7 N. Franklin Street Chagrin Falls www.facebook.com/ blushcleveland
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Collectibles, furniture, lighting, barware, housewares, pottery, glass, clothing, accessories, jewelry. CLEVELAND’S ORIGINAL SMOKESHOP SINCE 1975
Cleveland
ColuMbuS
A Cleveland Classic For Forty Years.
Monday 12-7pm Tues. closed Wed. 12-7pm Thurs. 12-7pm Fri. 12-8pm Sat. 12-8pm Sun. 12-5pm
Monday 12-6pm Tues. 12-6pm Wed. 12-6pm Thurs. 12-6pm Fri. 12-7pm Sat. 12-7pm Sun. 12-5pm
Facebook.com/ Flower-Child-Cleveland
Facebook.com/ FlowerChildColumbus
•VAPORIZERS & VAPORMATES •E-OILS AND HOOKAHS •SMOKING ACCESSORIES
•HUGE SELECTIONS OF POSTERS •T-SHIRTS AND BAJAS •JEWELRY, CARDS AND GIFTS
We’ve got something for everyone! MENTION THE CITY GUIDE AND RECEIVE
10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE!
(on orders of $50 or more.) *excludes vaporizers
6627 MAYFIELD RD,
423 E. MAIN ST,
(440) 442-5474
(330) 673-5270
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
Kent, OH 44240
COME W E L TO ®
VISIT OUR 5,000-sq-ft WONDERLAND of CANDY-FILLED BLISS!
10% Off
entire purchase
We buy & sell true vintage clothing
Expires 12/31/16 Cannot be combined.
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futurenofuturevintage.com Bulk Candy • Candy by Color • Nostalgic Candy • Candy Buffets • Fine Chocolates Fresh Fudge • M&M’s by Color • Jelly Belly by Flavor • Pretzalicious®
746 Richmond Rd., Richmond Hts., OH 44143 Mon-Sat 10am-7pm • Sun 12-5pm
AllCityCandy.com | 216.487.7070 78 SCENE | CITYGUIDE
16008 Detroit Ave, Lakewood 216-228-0530
Unique and affordable fashion accessories! Shop online at www.wickedsugarfashion.com or visit our fabulous boutique 10252 W. 130th St. Strongsville, OH 44136 440-628-8022
STAY CONNECTED
er boutique located in Rocky Paper Trails is a specialty pap extensive selection of unique River, Ohio. The store has an ding stationery, note cards, inclu , dise paper-based merchan greeting cards & designer flat invitations, announcements, s offers special order options Trail wrap. In addition, Paper ns, personalized note cards & for wedding & party invitatio stationery.
COZY CHIC FOR ALL SHAPES AND SIZES
2509 Professor Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113 216-696-6675 www.evielou.com
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PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
Voted Ohio’s #1 Attraction Less Than An Hour From Cleveland
Open Daily | ProFootballHOF.com | Canton, Ohio