Solon Magazine 2024

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WORKING • LEARNING • THRIVING TOGETHER

M AG A Z I N E

t i H h s Sma

nity Park , u m m o C s it in t s e v in Solon continues to e fun and v a h r, e th a g to e c la p making it a perfect ories. m e m g n lo fe li e k a m PLUS: Mixed-Use Development Update | Empowering Students | 5 New Restaurants to Try SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION


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SOLON

MAGAZINE

Meet You at THE DISTRICT

With groundbreaking in 2024, Solon is on the way to welcoming a vibrant, mixed-use development that will become an integral downtown with live-work-play amenities.

COVER: KEN BL A ZE / THIS PAGE: COURTESY CIT Y OF SOLON

By Kristen Hampshire

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dynamic destination and true town center is transitioning from blueprint to groundbreaking in spring 2024, with continued momentum for The District mixed-use development project on 9.5 acres of land on Aurora Road. Angee Shaker, Solon’s director of economic development, calls the project “transformational” on many levels. Imagine a parklike setting with green spaces for people to gather and hold community events. Pair this with a lively retail and dining district boasting top-shelf regional brands and a mix of grille, tavern, fast-casual and a robust food hall that emulates those in urban centers like Chicago and New Orleans. “No food hall like this currently exists in Ohio,” says John Joyce, CEO of RHM Real Estate Group, which is heading up the project with partners Steve Passov of Passov Real Estate Group; Bobby Krueger, Krueger Group; and Doug Leohr and Tim Courtad, Pride One Construction; with Norr international architecture and engineering firm on board. The District will include 209 apartment homes, a hotel, a parking garage and 20,300 square feet of retail — arranged with architectural thoughtfulness to create a downtown village feel in keeping with Solon’s Western Reserve style.

“Projects like this only come to fruition with the immense support of the city and school board, and they have been tireless advocates of The District and are key to making it work and be successful,” Joyce says. Andrew Iarussi, vice president of development & acquisitions with RHM, adds, “We believe Solon wants this, and that the residents will embrace it. Our vision is to create a highly amenitized, engaging district that will transform the city.” The existing property has long needed more than a facelift. It comprises unused city-owned land, a vacant former auto dealership, a rundown motel and a neglected building used for car rentals. “This investment in our city will play a crucial role in driving economic development and attracting even more talent and businesses to Solon,” Shaker says. The mixed-use concept is integral to creating “character and a cool vibe that Solon residents and businesses have been longing for,” she adds. The development’s range of uses aligns with what the city desires for its residents as a place where the community can convene. Shaker says, “We, the city and the developer, want The District to promote a sense of well-being and cohesion in our diverse community.” solonohio.org S3


SOLON

MAGAZINE

All Are WELCOME

Discover a few of the new and established places of worship in Solon. By Chrissy Kadleck

The Solon Chamber of Commerce serves as an advocate for the business community by supporting and fostering vibrant economic growth.

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www.solonchamber.com

DISCOVER THINGS TO DO EVERY WEEK! Get weekly email updates on the hottest events, best restaurants and most interesting things to do each week.

Solon is home to more than a dozen religious organizations welcoming people of many faiths. Here’s what’s happening at just a few of these places of worship. 1. SIKH GURDWARA Solon’s newest house of worship is a Sikh Gurdwara, which opened in January. “More than a place of worship, our new Gurdwara aspires to be a cornerstone for a robust and vibrant community, providing a space that not only facilitates religious practices but also becomes a central hub for social interaction and connection,” says Vik Sandhu, a Gurdwara board member and youth leader for the Northeast Ohio Sikh community. The building, after extensive renovations, features unique architecture that Sandhu says will help enhance the charm of Solon, which was chosen for its diverse and welcoming community. “The strategic location emphasizes accessibility, fostering a strong sense of community and connection for Sikh individuals in the region,” he adds. 2. CHAGRIN VALLEY ISLAMIC CENTER Kids look forward to visiting the Chagrin Valley Islamic Center (CVIC) on Friday nights for its literary celebration. Here, participants enjoy book readings and discussions, followed by a question-and-answer session and ice cream. Attracting anywhere from 15 to 25 kids each Friday, the CVIC started the club to engage

youth (ages 5 to 14) in fun activities that help build a connection to the mosque. 3. CHABAD JEWISH CENTER Solon’s Chabad Jewish Center hosts numerous activities to engage the community, including the biweekly Tot Shabbat, where infants and children through age 5 (with caregivers) enjoy circle time, playtime and lunch. A similar event called Kids Shabbat is geared toward children in kindergarten through 5th grade. This is in addition to the summer camp, preschool, Hebrew School, adult education and services offered throughout the year. 4. CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION A $5 million renovation at the Church of the Resurrection that has taken nearly a year to complete will expand its parish center space by approximately 1,500 square feet. The expansion will allow the church to grow its weekly food pantry that serves eight to 10 households, as well as increase its kitchen and meeting spaces for education and social programs and community outreach. The church also continues to host the Solon Mobile Pantry, a once-a-month food pantry run by the Solon Rotary that serves as many as 150 households.

For a full list of religious organizations, visit solonohio.org/107/Religious-Organizations. S4 Solon Magazine 2024

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Swagelok Company is a proud member of the Solon community. For more than 75 years, our locally manufactured fluid system solutions have performed in the toughest applications around the globe. You’ll find our products in laboratories, facilities, and vehicles that keep our world moving forward. j o b s . swag e l o k . c o m Swagelok is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. © 2024 Swagelok Company | Solon, OH, USA | swagelok.com


SOLON

MAGAZINE

MAKING Connections The Solon Job Fair brings job seekers and businesses together.

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DISCOVER

WESTERN

LAKE COUNTY

M AG A Z I N E

By Chrissy Kadleck

ike workforce development matchmakers, the City of Solon and the Solon Chamber of Commerce join forces every May to host the annual Solon Job Fair with the mission of connecting hiring employers and eager job seekers. This past May, more than 50 employers and education institutions converged at the Solon Community Center with about 800 jobs to fill, says Marilyn McMillin, president and CEO of the Solon Chamber of Commerce. More than 350 job seekers attended the free event. The Mazel Co., Nestle, Cuyahoga Community College, Bryant & Stratton, Kent State University, the City of Solon and The King Nut Co. were all in attendance, among many others. With Solon being the second-largest job hub in the county, with 900 businesses, Mayor Ed Kraus feels it’s the city’s “responsibility to do anything that we can do to help connect the employers and those looking for jobs.” “That face-to-face, personal connection makes such a difference in the comfort level of the employer and the comfort level of someone looking for the job,” he adds. “The job fair has really been terrific, and we love doing it, but we take it very seriously, and we are lucky to have such a great partnership with the Chamber.”

MAGAZINE 2023-24

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SOLON

MAGAZINE

Celebrating STEM

Gardiner’s STEM Day offered students hands-on experience exploring career pathways. By Chrissy Kadleck

COURTESY CITY OF SOLON

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ore than 150 ninth and 10th graders from school districts around Northeast Ohio descended on Gardiner’s Solon headquarters over two days in November to take a deep dive into the dynamic world of STEM and HVAC. Solon City Schools was among the six districts participating in the first-ever event. The goal? Energize and engage kids in the exploration of abundant career opportunities available in the skilled trades, says Jenn Rhinehart, one of the main organizers of the Gardiner/STEM Day event. “Specifically HVAC technicians — there are not a whole lot of people going into that field,” she says. “If the students are interested in STEM, it can be applied as a technician or it can be applied as an engineer.”

Nearly three dozen Gardiner employees created and facilitated many interactive experiences, including race car simulators and activities such as load calculating, game theory, ice breakers and more. Other event highlights included a speaker who works for Cavs Legion who spoke about gaming and how he has built his own company, Ethlete, as well as companies offering internships, shadowing and mentoring opportunities. Six colleges were also in attendance to counsel students on the educational pathways available.

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SOLON

MAGAZINE

Rooted in EXCELLENCE

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A new strategic plan aims to foster empathy and involvement among students. By Chrissy Kadleck

Open for Dinner Tuesday-Saturday Happy Hour 4pm-6pm Tuesday-Friday

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and to be empathetic toward others,” says Superintendent Fred Bolden. “We have a rich tapestry of activities and things for our kids to do to help them develop as individuals.” The high school offers more than 60 clubs and activities students can join, including leadership clubs, engagement in world events and more skill-based endeavors leveraging writing, public speaking and problem-solving abilities. “We have so many different avenues for kids to get involved, from Student Council and Key Club to Model UN to SADD,” Bolden says. “We also have a nationally ranked speech and debate team, as well as Science Olympiad and award-winning student publications and Future Problem-Solvers teams. We try to give opportunities for the kids to excel in all of those areas while working on being good citizens and working with each other and working for the community.”

COURTESY SOLON CITY SCHOOLS

olon City Schools offer a robust, well-rounded experience that focuses on these straight As: academics, athletics, the arts and extracurricular activities. A recently adopted strategic plan outlines the district’s aspirational mission as “a diverse learning community that will ensure all students attain the knowledge and skills to thrive and become empathetic, ethical, contributing citizens in evolving global society through collaboration and unwavering commitment to empower every student, every day, to achieve personal excellence.” Achieving that admittedly lofty goal starts with a student body that is representative of most religions, races and all socioeconomic classes. “We want to make sure that our kids are not just being ethical — they’re contributing and being successful. We also want them to care about others


Park Perks

Enhancements to Solon Community Park, plus the new Solon to Chagrin Falls Trail, give residents more ways to enjoy the great outdoors. By Jill Sell

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t’s going to be amazing. The City of Solon is now focusing on phase one of the design-build portion of the Solon Community Park redevelopment and parks master plan. Improvements and additions include upgrades to Cisar Field (the varsity baseball field); a new playground; renovation of the parking lot; a new maintenance facility; a stage and amphitheater; concessions areas; restrooms and more. “Residents get to know their neighbors on their streets, but you want everyone to come together as a community,” says Solon Mayor Ed Kraus. “When you have one large public park, it provides those opportunities. It’s also where we have a lot of our activities, including Solon Home Days, concerts, art shows, movie nights and Shakespeare in the Park. We have that central place, the space and a beautiful park. We are very fortunate.” Solon also will add 10 to 12 new pickleball courts, with the existing courts being reverted to tennis courts. “These will be drop-in courts, open and available to everyone unless someone rents a court or there is a special program,” says Rich Parker, director of parks and recreation. New landscaping and shade-providing structures will offer “sun safety, which has become more important in design than perhaps in the past,” Parker adds.

KEN BLAZE

SOLON TO CHAGRIN FALLS TRAIL

Construction on the $5.9 million Solon to Chagrin Falls Trail is expected to begin this spring or early summer. The new, 10-foot-wide, paved, all-purpose trail will be owned by the City of Solon and designed, built and managed by Cleveland Metroparks. A portion of the cost will be covered by state grants. A little more than 2 miles of the 4-mile trail is within Solon. The trail runs along the former Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad Co. line and begins at SOM Center Road.

Chris Levicky, Hua Xie, Melanie Tolle and Jamal Jamili engage in a friendly pickleball game. The sport is growing in popularity in Solon and throughout the country.

Show Your SUPPORT

The City of Solon is actively seeking businesses, nonprofit groups, families and individuals to become donors who will be granted naming rights for park improvements and expansions. Up for grabs are baseball fields, sports courts, trails, a community room and pavilion, plus other opportunities. “We want to ensure the finest parks and rec facilities while keeping rates low or at no cost. Partnerships can help with that,” says Angee Shaker, Solon’s director of economic development. Interested donors can contact the city for an information packet.

Sean McDermott, Cleveland Metroparks chief planning and design officer, says the trail corridor has been abandoned for quite a while, and there will be some challenges to protect and circumvent wetlands and tributaries. But McDermott says residents have wanted this trail for a long time. “The trail is right in the middle of nature. There is no conflict with cars, and it’s gorgeous and peaceful,” adds Kraus, who says the project is a partnership with Chagrin Falls and the Village of Bentleyville. Of course, the trail will create health and recreational benefits for residents, but Chagrin Falls Mayor Bill Tomko also believes the cities will see economic benefits to restaurants and retail establishments because of trail travelers. Tomko also notes that young people with children want walkable and bikeable communities, and the trail gives them tremendous opportunities. solonohio.org S9


Fresh Food

Check out five restaurants new to Solon’s dining scene. By Leslie Basalla-McCafferty

Culinary adventurers, curious foodies and casual diners alike are about to have a flurry of fresh and flavorful options when it comes to eating out in Solon. Check out these recently or soon-to-be opened restaurants if you’re craving something new.

Things are about to get hot — specifically the tabletop grills at Gogi En Korean Barbecue. Korean barbecue centers around do-it-yourself cooking of meat and is gaining popularity locally and nationwide. Gogi En’s Front House Manager Mark S10 Solon Magazine 2024

“At the end of the day, it’s just a style of food that highlights savory, spicy, sweet,” he says. “If you like those things — if you like cooking your food exactly the way that you like it, then it’s a perfect fit.” The restaurant space, formerly home to Akira Sushi and Hibachi, is not large enough to accommodate dozens of grill tables, but Chun and his team turned that obstacle into an advantage by building out a bar area to showcase Korean appetizers and cocktails made with soju, Korean rice liquor. “People can sit down, have a few drinks and get, not Korean barbecue, but Korean food like kimbap,” Chun says. Kimbap, a seaweed-wrapped rice roll stuffed with a combination of vegetables, beef and fish

COURTESY X-GOLF SOLON / ISTOCK

Gogi En

Chun says that’s because it’s not just a dining experience, but a social one, as well. “Korean barbecue is a very personalized and very social experience,” he says. “It involves a lot of eating with your hands and cooking at the table, also, kind of forcing you to be present and take account of what you’re doing at the moment. It helps you reel in and not have your mind wander.” Diners at Gogi En can choose from various bundles of marinated meats that they can sear to their own liking on tabletop grills. Sauces, garnishes, side dishes and lettuce and perilla (a Korean herb similar to shiso) leaves for wrapping the meats are provided as part of the meal. Chun says the ability to customize each bite is a big part of the appeal.


cake, is a ubiquitous convenience food in Korea that’s enjoying a viral moment in American food culture. “The kimbap has become very, very trendy online all of a sudden, so we’re really hoping that takes off,” Chun says, adding that they also plan to add a small area where you can find Korean products, snacks and drinks, similar to a mini Korean convenience store. > 6025 Kruse Drive

Yummus Mediterranean Food

Based on its moniker, one might surmise that yummy hummus is the star of the menu at this Mediterranean deli and market, and you would be correct. Behind the counter, you’ll find no fewer than 20 different spins on the dip, from standards like original and roasted red pepper, to unexpected flavors like hot giardiniera, everything bagel, turmeric-carrot and even chocolate. But tasty chickpea spread isn’t the only thing on offer. You’ll also find everything needed to assemble a mezze platter of Middle Eastern nibbles and noshes that adds up to a satisfying meal. Stuffed grape leaves, beef and chicken shawarma, falafel, lentil soup and salads like fattoush and tabouli are also available, along with seven flavors of feta cheese, which, like the hummus, is sold by the pound. Those who frequent Cleveland’s West Side Market might find the selections at Yummus oddly familiar. That’s because the deli supplies hummus and other goodies to the popular Jacob’s Oasis food stall. Just like at the market, though, you won’t be able to eat in at Yummus — the small storefront is carryout only. > 33770 Aurora Road, 440-318-1975

COURTESY YOU & I TEA BAR / COURTESY MING’S BUBBLE TEA

You & I Tea Bar

Recent months have been an exciting time for local fans of bubble tea, the fruity dessert drink from Taiwan, as Solon is suddenly popping with cafés specializing in the pearly refreshment. You & I Tea Bar opened in July, offering teas in a kaleidoscopic assortment of flavors and varieties, alongside crispy, sweet and savory Asian-style crepes and decadently stuffed waffles. For the uninitiated, bubble tea is a sweet, teabased drink served cold, shaken with flavored syrups and, often, milk. Shaking creates a bubbly foam on the drink’s surface, providing its name. However, it’s the boba — marble-sized pearls of tapioca or gummy candy mixed into the beverage that imbibers suck up through a wide-gauge straw — that gives bubble tea its cult following. You & I’s milk teas, fruit teas, smoothies and sodas are customizable. Guests can top their

Recent months have been an exciting time for local fans of bubble tea, the fruity dessert drink from Taiwan, as Solon is suddenly popping with cafés specializing in the pearly refreshment. drinks with traditional black tapioca boba, clear “crystal” boba, an assortment of flavored jellies or fruity bursting boba. Owner Sirima Krabnoi says setting up shop in Solon was a natural choice. “Our family lives in Solon, both of our sons go to school in Solon, and our house is not far from the store,” she says. “It is a family business.” Krabnoi says she looks forward to expanding the shop’s menu to include hot, fresh-brewed coffee drinks and Asian sandwiches. > 33544 Aurora Road, 440-318-1788

Ming’s Bubble Tea

Slated to open this winter, Ming’s will bring even more flavor to the (bubble) tea party. The shop will be the third location for the mini chain, which launched in 2016 in Kent and opened a second shop in Hudson last year. “We have a lot of fans living in Solon, and they have demanded a bubble tea place from day one,” says Owner and Founder Ming Xie. “I knew, in the back of my head ... that we should open another one in Solon, and after looking at some of the places, we found a spot, right next to Mitchell’s Ice Cream, and we were glad because it’s a pretty good location, and the time was right.” Xie says the most popular beverage at the Kent location among the primarily college-aged clientele is mango-passionfruit green tea with popping boba — fruit juice-filled pearls that burst in the drinker’s mouth. The Hudson guests, on the other hand, gravitate toward a different product. “We have a pretty unique category (that) I don’t see too many other bubble tea shops do,” he says. “We have a ‘snow’ series. It’s like a slushie type of drink. Our strawberry banana snow is the bestseller in our Hudson location.” With an increasing number of people of all ages and backgrounds becoming familiar with bubble tea, Xie says he expects the Solon store to solonohio.org S11


garner the same devoted following that his other locations enjoy. “When we first started in 2016 in Kent, most people had no idea what we were doing,” he says. “Now, it’s getting a lot better.” > 6130 Kruse Drive, Suite B, mingsbubbletea.com

“ We chose the Solon area because we saw a need for an entertainment venue and sports bar there . We also love the tight-knit community.”

X-Golf Solon

Sports, entertainment and dining go hand in golf glove at this multifaceted destination. Set up a tee time and whet your appetite while honing your swing in one of the venue’s eight state-ofthe-art golf simulators. X-Golf offers individual and group appointments, league play and golf lessons, so there are plenty of ways you can sharpen your game. After getting your fill of the virtual links, head to the bar and restaurant to munch on classic sports bar snacks like loaded nachos, flatbread pizzas, barbecue brisket sandwiches and buffalo wings. Open since March 2023, X-Golf Solon is one of the national chain’s eight locations in Ohio, and Derek Imes, one of the owners, says golf and food are only a few of the attractions. “We have pool tables, darts, cornhole, Ohio Lottery,” Imes says. “We have a diverse and eclectic menu with seasonal rotations. Everyone loves

- Derek Imes, co-owner of X-Golf Solon

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES INCLUDE:

SOLON JOB FAIR S12 Solon Magazine 2024

Meet with Solon businesses and explore a wide range of career paths and opportunities.

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American Ring BDS Financial Network Chagrin Valley Dispatch Chick-Fil-A Davis Automotive Group Gardiner Service Co. Hattie Larlham Jersey Mike’s Subs Komatsu Kyntronics Marriott Customer Engagement Center MFS Supply Panera Bread PDI Ground Support Systems Permatex Petra Power Plas-Mac Corporation Professional Placement Services The Middlefield Banking Company The Technology House Valtronic Technologies Vector Technical WrapTite

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the Large Triple Bogey Pretzel and all of our dipping sauces. Our food stands out because it is affordable and convenient.” While restaurants of all kinds abound in Solon, Imes says X-Golf aims to fill a hole in the dining scene. “We chose the Solon area because we saw a need for an entertainment venue and sports bar there,” he says. “We also love the tight-knit community.” > 33615 Aurora Road, 440-318-1183, xgolfsolon.com


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Sips & Snacks

ANNEX BAR & GRILLE

This longtime local favorite just underwent an extensive renovation — but the bites it’s best known for (burgers and wings) will remain long after the dust settles. Ever-changing specials and seasonal soups keep it interesting, and keep the regulars coming back. 36200 Pettibone Road, 440-248-5725, annexbar.com

Grab a specialty cocktail or quick bite at one of these seven Solon hotspots. By Leslie Basalla McCafferty

With its profusion of pubs and broad range of restaurants — from come-as-you-are casual to elevated and upscale — it’s easy to sip and snack your way around Solon. Whether you’re craving wings and an ice-cold beer or creative cocktails and sophisticated starters, you’ll find something to please your palate as you hop between these hotspots.

2 No.

FISHER’S AMERICAN TAVERN

Another long-standing local institution, Fisher’s American Tavern is a stalwart stop for pub fare made with care. Grab a seasonal Great Lakes beer or a margarita with house-made sour mix, and pair it with piping-hot ranch buffalo chicken dip or a basket of beerbattered walleye fingers. 28020 Miles Road, 440-349-3736, fishersamericantavern.com Happy Hour: 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday

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Industrial rustic vibes and seasonal draft selections are always on tap here. Try the fluffy scratch-made Tavern tater tots, or the spicysweet firecracker shrimp — either would play well with a Bee’s Knees cocktail (Hendrick’s gin, honey and lemon) or a Burntwood-exclusive Taberna IPA.

56 KITCHEN

33675 Solon Road, 440-914-0290, burntwoodtavern.com/solon Happy Hour 3-6 p.m. daily

For American cuisine that accommodates most dietary persuasions, have a seat in this kitchen. Carnivores can nosh on spicy fried chicken sliders, while vegans will delight in cauliflower bites in five flavors. Wash your pick down with a perfectly poured old fashioned cocktail or a craft beer from the rotating draft list. 33587 Aurora Road, 440-349-0056, 56kitchen.com Happy Hour: 4-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday

6025 Kruse Dr, Suite #120, Solon, OH 44139 440-318-1808 gogienkbbq.com Mon - Thurs: 11 am – 2:30 pm, 4 pm – 9 pm Friday: 11 am – 2:30 pm, 4 pm – 9:30 pm Saturday: 12 pm – 9:30 pm Sunday: 12 pm – 8 pm

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YOURS TRULY

While best known for breakfast and lunch, Yours Truly is a true-blue bet after work, too. Start with the famous “Notso” fries — golden potato discs topped with melty cheese, bacon and sour cream. They come in three sizes, so you can stuff yourself, or save room for dinner. For a lighter option, dip into the house-made hummus. 6141 Kruse Drive, 440-600-2445, ytr.com/solon Happy Hour: 2:30-6 p.m. daily

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BURNTWOOD TAVERN


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ROLLHOUSE SOLON

Hit the lanes, or don’t, but definitely spare a moment at this entertainment emporium for a RollHouse lemonade (blueberry vodka, fresh blueberry puree and lemonade) or a pour of bourbon from the bar’s impressive collection. Follow it with jalapeno poppers, wrapped in bacon and baked to order. 33185 Bainbridge Road, 440-248-4080, therollhouse.com/solon

7 No.

ELLE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Mediterranean-inspired fare sparkles in this jewel box restaurant. Pair an Italian red with the eggplant fritters — crispy spheres served with Calabrian aioli and salsa verde — or skip straight to the cocktail list for inspired creations like the Boulevard of Broken Sweets, featuring bourbon, sweet vermouth and cocoa nib-infused Campari. 33730 Bainbridge Road, 440-656-3553, ellecle.com Happy Hour: 4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday

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Bradley Stone features an extensive array of stone and tile for floors, walls and countertops. bradley-stone.com | 30801 Carter St. Solon, OH 44139 | (440) 519-3277 appointments suggested solonohio.org S15


At Sedlak’s you’ll find Furniture, Accessories, Dining, Home Entertainment, Home Office, Mattresses, Recliners, Clocks, Carpeting & More.

Love Where You Live Make a change that will keep you loving your home. Count on Sedlak’s to have the latest styles of home furnishings whether your taste is traditional, modern or anywhere in-between. Our design professionals are always available to help you make the best furniture decision for your home. At Sedlak’s, love is in store! Where Quality is Affordable. See it. Feel it. Love it. Worth the Drive, Wherever You Are. Complimentary Delivery and Set-Up Within 60 Miles. 34300 Solon Road | Solon, OH | 440-248-2424 | 800-260-2949 One block south of Rt. 422 & SOM Center Road 10-8 M/Th | 10-5:30 Tu/W/F/Sa | www.sedlakinteriors.com

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