Friday, May 30, 2014

Recipe: Mango and Paprika Pork Chops

This quick and easy meal was perfect on a busy weeknight for us. The hot paprika added just a kick to it, and the sweetness of the mango balanced the heat well.

We adapted the recipe from a recipe found on MyRecipes.com.

Mango and Paprika Pork Chops (serves 2, total time = 30 minutes):

Ingredients-
2 boneless pork chops (about 3/4 lbs.)
2 tsp. hot paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 large mango (about 1 lb.) peeled and cubed
1/2 red onion, cut into thin wedges
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup cilantro leaves for garnish

Preparation-
Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Pat pork chops dry, sprinkle both sides with paprika and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper.
Heat oil in large ovenproof frying pan over medium-high heat.
Brown pork chops on both sides, about 6 minutes.
Transfer to a plate.
Add mango, onion, bell pepper, and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper to pan.
Cook, stirring often, until softened (about 5 minutes).
Set pork chops on top of mango, and bake in oven until meat is no longer pink in center (about 8-10 minutes).

Serve, and garnish with cilantro.
We served this over a bed of spinach, but I also suggest topping your favorite grain of choice (rice, couscous) with it.

Again, it was a quick and easy meal to throw together. You can use sweet paprika if you're not a fan of spicy hot food, and you can adjust the amount used to fit your taste. Enjoy!

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Memorial Day Weekend in CLE

This three-day holiday weekend was one of the best weekends that I can remember in Cleveland. The weather could not have been more perfect, we purposely didn't make plans and were able to relax and go and do things on a whim, and we spent almost all of the weekend outdoors soaking up the sun. Clevelanders were shaking off the long and harsh winter, and Mother Nature almost made me forget about the polar vortex. I fell in love with our city a little bit more this Memorial Day Weekend.

Now, I'll let the few many pictures do the talking.

The only true plans we had made was a reservation for dinner on Cork & Cleaver Social Kitchen's newly opened patio on Saturday night. They just started the spring menu, and we enjoyed several of the menu changes like the C&C Wedge, the Beet Salad, the Watermelon Gazpacho with Tuna (featured on last month's cover of Cleveland Magazine), and the new preparation of the Scallops with a spring pea puree and carrots became one of my favorite dishes from them.
Sunday, we headed over to Hingetown for the Sunday Market.
This little area off of the beaten path in Ohio City is emerging as a new hot spot, with businesses like Rising Star Roasters and Beet Juice Bar. The flea market popped up this weekend, and the day was perfect for browsing vendors and enjoying lunch from the Off the GRIDdle food truck. A breakfast waffle topped with pulled chicken, pepper corn relish, cheese, and an avocado lime drizzle? Yes, please!
This Acapulco Pulled sandwich, served on a Belgian waffle, wasn't the easiest street food to eat, but it was very tasty.

Then, we headed to Tremont in search of a patio. This led to an unplanned stop into The Paul Duda Gallery on Professor Avenue. What a collection of fabulous Cleveland artwork!
I wanted to take half of the gallery home with me, but I settled for just two.
I fell in love, and they look perfect in the new gray office that we just redecorated.

After leaving the gallery a little bit poorer, we gave up on a patio and stopped into Tremont Scoops for our first stop of the season.
Sunday ended with a backyard BBQ at "R's" brother's house with his family, and we sat outside until almost 10PM.

Monday, a bonus day to play, came around and we headed to the Marc's Great American Rib Cook-off and Music Festival after doing some yard work. With the Downtown Cleveland skyline as the backdrop, it was a perfect day for the festival.
We sampled a few ribs...
...and some smoked chicken wings. Saw this guy wandering around...
...and then had the genius idea to take some food to go, to become a picnic in the park later that evening. After a few hours spent at home, we packed up our food and lawn chairs, and headed back out on the town. We stopped at TownHall for a cocktail, and I discovered their delicious Avocado Margarita.
Then, just in time to soak up the last few rays of daylight, we settled ourselves in for a sunset picnic at Upper Edgewater Park. I just never tire of this view...
It was such a perfect ending to a perfect weekend in the CLE. It was just what I needed as I head into a busy and stressful work week, and it really felt like the "kick-off" to summer in our city.

How did you spend Memorial Day Weekend?

Friday, May 23, 2014

Big Al's Diner + Beer Festival Winner

Happy Friday! I've earned this one, folks. I'm ready for the long weekend, and I have some relaxing to do. Let's end this week on a happy note and announce the winner of the two General Admission passes to the World Beer Festival Cleveland on June 14th.

Congratulations to comment #9 - Brooke Emmel. Email me by Tuesday to claim your prize. Thank you to everyone that entered the giveaway. If you still want to attend, you can purchase tickets here.

Now, the weekend for us often means a nice breakfast or brunch out. It's one of my favorite treats of the weekend, and we love checking out new places. A couple of Saturdays ago, we found ourselves on the east side. Big Al's Diner popped into my head.
Celebrity chef Michael Symon swears by their corned beef hash, and I've heard that the line can be out the door on the weekends. That was enough to peak my interest.

We were lucky enough to only have about a ten minute wait around 11am on Saturday. So, I people-watched.
It was certainly bustling, and even busier by the time we left.

It didn't take too long for us to order. "R" zeroed in immediately on the famous Corned Beef Hash ($8.75). Dining Deals Alert!
The hash was made with potatoes and green peppers, and it was served with eggs and toast. I stole one bite, and it was darn good. Lucky's Cafe will always reign supreme, in my opinion, but this earned itself the second place spot and top spot for diner corned beef hash.

I went for the Veggie Benny ($8.25).
It comes with two eggs (any style) over mushrooms, onions, and green peppers on an oversized English muffin with Hollandaise sauce. I opted for over-medium, and asked for the "Holly" sauce on the side (not pictured). Overall, this was only okay. The sauce was clumpy with dry patches that suggested the sauce was made from a powder mix. The eggs were cooked perfectly, but I wished that there were more veggies since this was the "Veggie" Benny. The potatoes were very good, but I didn't eat very many. It was a big plate of food.

So, it was certainly fun to check it out, and I can see why they are known for their corned beef hash. It's just a great classic neighborhood joint on Larchmere Boulevard. Would I venture back to the east side for it? Probably not.

Big Al's Diner
12600 Larchmere Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44120
216-791-8550

Thursday, May 22, 2014

@CLEDinnerClub at Flour

Last night, the monthly CLE Dinner Club outing took us east to Flour in Moreland Hills. I've only been to Flour three times previously, so I was looking forward to a return visit. But, first...a cocktail was needed after a very stressful day at work.
Then, it was time for the group to settle in for the meal. The special menu greeted us, and my mouth began to water.
I love how they created a hashtag for every dish, and even for themselves. Very savvy in this social-media world we live in now.

We heard from the chefs first, about their concept, personal culinary histories in Cleveland, and how this restaurant is a mash-up of "old school" and "new school" techniques and flavors.

Meet chef Matt Mytro, the New School.
And Cleveland culinary icon, chef/owner Paul Minnillo, the Old School.
He is best known for his 20+ years at the Baricelli Inn in Little Itlay, where Washington Place Bistro now lives.

The meal started off with a bang, with Ramp Agnolotti. These little clouds of pasta were cooked perfectly, oozing with cheese when you cut into them, and the ramp sauce and pickled ramps were truly lick-the-plate worthy. I wanted an entire bowl of them, and they remained my favorite dish of the night.

Then, we had a Whipped Burrata served with a tomato seed vinaigrette and garlic chips. Toasted bread arrived to schmear the burrata on, and the table grew pretty quiet as we all enjoyed.

The last savory course was Beef Short Ribs with a preserved tomato fregola, a "mock bone" and pesto.
The "bone" was made out of potato, and they used an apple corer to achieve the shape and presentation. Very creative! The meat absolutely fell apart to the touch of a fork, and this dish was another winner.

I was posting each course on Instagram last night, and the dessert course certainly drew the most attention. The Nutella Panna Cotta was not only pretty to look at, it was delicious and a great end to the meal.
The white chocolate arancini that accompanied the panna cotta was certainly interesting. I've never had an arancini made with sweets, instead of the rice and cheese that we're used to. Clearly, this was a "new school" technique.

The dinner earned itself a spot in the CLE Dinner Club Hall of Fame, in my opinion. It was one of the best, and I swear that wasn't the Flirtini talking. Hehehe. It left me wanting to return to Flour, which I guess, is the point of these dinners.

If you'd like to join the group, just follow @CLEDinnerClub on Twitter or "like" the page on Facebook. I always enjoy the experience, and can't recommend it enough.

Flour
Moreland Hills Towne Center
34205 Chagrin Boulevard
[at Som Center Road]
Moreland Hills, OH 44022
216-464-3700

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Second Annual World Beer Festival Cleveland Giveaway

The All About Beer Magazine's World Beer Festival made its way to Cleveland last year for its inaugural event. They are returning on Saturday, June 14th with more than 75 breweries represented.
Attendees will have over 200 craft and specialty beers from around the world, and a General Admission ticket ($40) will get you 40 samples and a tasting glass. You'll also have access into the Art of Beer Experience for beer ingredient samplings, pairings, educational seminars, a mini commercial brewery and more. A VIP experience is also available for $75, which gives you an additional hour of tasting, a private entrance, hospitality area and bathrooms, bonus selection of beers not available to the general admission guests, a Festival commemorative gift, and a food buffet. For $35 more, it sounds worth it, in my opinion. Tickets are available here.
Or, you can win two General Admission passes through this blog! Just tell me which brewery from the Participating List of Vendors that you want to sample first. Some that I'd go after are the Founder's and Hoppin' Frog. The list is missing some of my favorites, like Epic, but there will still be plenty of beer to taste and I think this event is reasonably priced.

It is also taking place at the Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica this year, which is a nice change-up from last year's event. There will be food vendors and live music as well. The event runs from 1:00pm - 5:00pm (noon start if VIP), so you still have the rest of the day to enjoy after the event concludes. How do you feel about an afternoon beer event? 

The ticket giveaway will run through this Friday at 4:00pm, and I will select a winner using random.org. Good luck!

Disclosure: I was provided with four General Admission passes to the event, two to give away and two for myself, in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Monday, May 19, 2014

Mitchell's Ice Cream

It was a very busy weekend, packed with work obligations, and very little "down" time to ourselves. We did have a few hours on Sunday, after cheering for Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon runners and before a fundraising dinner, so we poked around Ohio City on our way home.

Our first stop was the newly opened Mitchell's Ice Cream on West 25th Street.
The bright and airy shop is so welcoming, with great people-watching views of the street. A long cooler offers free tastes, and many options to choose from. I sampled Caramel Sea Salt, Tiramisu, Cake Batter, and finally decided on one scoop of Toasted Pistachio.
It was a full "one scoop" and more than enough ice cream for this non-sweets lover. "R" deemed the Pistachio flavor "weird", but I loved it.

You can also purchase their ice creams and frozen yogurts by the pint, displayed in a very tempting cooler by the register.
After five hours of cheering out on the course, it was a perfect frozen treat. We took it to go, and walked the streets of Ohio City, soaking in the sun.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Mitchell's! A long-awaited addition to the area, and I think they'll do well in this location.

From their website: "Fresh, Local, Wholesome. We start with farm-fresh dairy, grass-fed and raised on family farms. Our farmers care for their cows without the use of artificial hormones or antibiotics. We work with other local family partners like Lake Erie Creamery, Hillson Nuts, Hartzler Family Dairy, Woolf Fruit Farm, and the McDonald family maple sugarbush. These ingredients couldn’t come to us any fresher, and we think you can taste this in every bite of our ice cream. In buying our coffees, chocolates, vanillas, and tropical fruits, we partner with growers and producers who are both sustainable-minded and committed to the finest quality. As these ingredients arrive fresh in our Rocky River kitchen, we set out—one small batch at a time—to mix, cook, bake, and craft them into the most delicious and interesting ice creams you’ll find anywhere, right here in and for the city we’ve loved all our lives. countryside of Holmes and Wayne counties an hour away."

What's your favorite Mitchell's flavor? Also, you can view production at this location, and they have private event spaces upstairs.

Mitchell's Ice Cream (multiple locations)
1867 West 25th Street
Cleveland, OH
216-861-2799

Friday, May 16, 2014

Rib Cook-off Winners

Thank you to everyone that entered the Marc's Great American Rib Cook-off and Music Festival ticket giveaway this week!

I had two four-packs of tickets to give away, so I used random.org to select two lucky winners.

Comment #6- Caitlin
and Comment #2- DJ
Congratulations! Email me by Monday at 3:00pm to claim your tickets, or a new winner will be selected. Enjoy the Rib Cook-off!

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Silver Spoon Awards Party

Last night, Crystal and I attended the annual Cleveland Magazine Silver Spoons Awards Party in the 200 Public Square building (call it what you like). It has been a couple of years since I've been able to attend this event. It is always the same week as big work events, and I usually won't commit to anything during that time period. But, when I won two tickets over on Heather's blog, I was pumped! I never win anything, let alone awesome tickets to a great food event.

I made a rookie mistake and filled up quickly. After sampling less than a third of the restaurants, I felt like I was going to burst. There are just so many at this event! We found a table, and sat down to catch up and digest a bit. It's hard to pace yourself at this event. In the end, I was able to sample food from 23 restaurants, some of which I haven't been to yet, like Angelo's...
Some of my favorite dishes were the Spicy Tuna Chips from Dante/Ginko, Sacchetti al Tartufata from Luca Italian Cuisine, Mini-Reuben from Lucky's Cafe, and a play on a deconstructed tuna roll from the Driftwood Restaurant Group.
One of my top dishes of the evening came from the "Best New Restaurant" and my personal favorite restaurant--- Cork & Cleaver Social Kitchen.
They just never disappoint. I can't wait to get in to try their new spring menu. One of the spring dishes was featured on this month's Cleveland Magazine cover.

The event also offered creative libations, in addition to wine/beer, like the cocktail from Spice Bar + Kitchen.
Anyone with a sweet tooth could also find plenty of treats scattered around, like the cereal bars from Melt Bar + Grilled.
I actually really liked the Corn Pops version.

What a fun event! It got a little crowded around 7:00pm, but that's just when we needed our break anyway. The event benefits the Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region, Northeast Ohio, and from what I can tell, it was a very successful fundraiser for them. They had every kind of raffle and auction that you could think of, live entertainment, a popular VIP Lounge, and more. It was a perfect evening out, in the midst of lots of work stress, and now I just want to attend again next year.

Have you ever been to Silver Spoons? If you went last night, how many restaurants did you conquer?

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

2014 Chef's Fantasy Dinner

One of the reasons that I've been absent from blogging the last few weeks is that we've been doing some major work around the house. Our contractor was back to replace the living room ceiling and tear up most of our sunroom. When all of the furniture was pulled out and the walls bare, I had the brilliant crazy idea to repaint four of our rooms. We were pressed for time, but we pulled it off and the rooms looks great.
A few finishing touches are needed, and a new paint color in the sunroom, and then we'll be done. I'm loving the new gray walls and cool tones throughout the house. A few new pieces of furniture that I've wanted for a while, and some new textural touches...I'm quite happy.

But, that means that I'm way behind on responding to personal emails and documenting recent life on this blog. It was worth it, but I have a lot to catch you up on. One of the events that "R" and I attended during all of this chaos was the 16th Annual Chef's Fantasy Dinner and Auction to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

It was held at the Ritz-Carlton in Downtown Cleveland, and the venue was a perfect setting for the event. The evening started with a VIP Reception with food from Saucisson, Rocky River Wine Bar, and University Hospitals Main Campus. The room also had some interesting artwork, particularly this piece, that became quite the conversation topic.
What a creepy little guy.

We really enjoyed the relaxing VIP Reception, and we sample some of our favorite dishes of the night during the Reception. Like the Fried Pork Rillette from Melissa at Saucisson.
The surprise of the VIP Reception was the delicious food from Chef Anthony Verona at University Hospitals Main Campus. He served up Roasted Eggplant Agnolotti, Braised Buffalo Short Ribs, and Fresh Linguine Pasta with Butter Poached Lobster that he was cutting right on-site.

Then, we moved on to the main event in the ballroom. The six-course meal included courses from Chef Matt Anderson from Umami, John Selick from University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center, Jill Vedaa from Rockefellers, William Skinner from 41 North, Eric Williams from Momocho/Happy Dog, and Richard Arnoldi from The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland. Wines were paired with each course.
My favorite dish during the dinner came from Eric Williams, a Dos Equis Braised Beef Short Rib with Smoked Gouda Tamale Dumplings, Salsa Manchamanteles and Habanero Pickled Red Onion.
Another standout was the Chilled Spring Pea Soup with Lobster Salad, Asparagus, and Chanterelles from John Selick.
It was light and refreshing, a perfect "spring" note, and the overall winner for presentation that evening. Simple, clean, colorful.

Other dishes during the dinner were a little disappointing, if I'm being honest. Not the best that I've had from these participating chefs.

The auction at the event was one of the best that I've seen. We had our eye on about five dining packages, and walked away winning a four-hour cooking class and dinner for six guests with Chef Melissa Khoury. I'm pumped!

Overall, we had a great time and the event was very well executed. The staff and hosts did a wonderful job of reminding guests why we were there. The speakers and emcee shared their personal stories of how cystic fibrosis has impacted their lives, with humor and passion. They were some of the most moving speeches that I've heard at a charity event. The event raised critical funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and guests enjoyed a nice evening out. We were just honored to be a part of it. It's an annual event, so keep your eye out for the event announcement next year.

Disclosure: I was provided with two VIP tickets to the event in exchange for promoting the event in advance. I was not asked to share my experience post-event, but chose to do so. All opinion are 100% my own. 

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Marc's Great American Rib Cook-off and Music Festival

Hello, readers! It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks with work and home projects, so I'm barely keeping up with blogging and personal emails. Whoops. But, I had a great weekend in Put-in-Bay with my parents and "R" this weekend, and the gorgeous weather helped me relax and dream of summer. I'm ready for the warm and sunny days in Cleveland! Bring it on.

This time of year brings us some great outdoor food and beverage events. I have a few on my calendar already, and today I'm bringing you the opportunity to attend a Memorial Day Weekend festival that would be a great outing for the family, or with friends.

The 23rd Annual Marc's Great American Rib Cook-off & Music Festival is taking place Friday, May 23rd through Monday, May 26th at Jacobs Pavilion and Nautica Entertainment Complex. This outdoor event brings together classic summer food, live entertainment, kids activities, and a great setting in The Flats.

If you're interested in the live music, check out the headliners:
- Saturday, May 24 at 9:15pm Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
- Sunday, May 25 at 9:15pm Taking Back Sunday
- Monday, May 26 at 6:15pm Blackberry Smoke

You can also watch professional grilling teams compete, cheer on the Marc's Amateur Grilling Competition, and feast on some mouthwatering barbecue. Me? I'm in it for the ribs and the outdoor excursion!

They are offering several discounts to make it a fun and budget-friendly event this year. Check out their website for more information on these deals.

Or, you can win a four-pack of tickets by commenting on this blog post. I have two to give away, so I will select two winners using random.org on Friday, May 16th. Just leave me a comment below, telling me what your favorite summer food is.

Disclosure: I was provided with three four-packs of tickets, one for myself and two to give away, in exchange for this blog post. All opinions stated are 100% my own. 

Monday, May 5, 2014

A Night at Market at the Food Bank

Last night, "R" and I attended the annual Market at the Food Bank event to benefit the Harvest for Hunger Campaign for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

The event features area restaurants, catering companies, beverage distributors, and more for a night of sampling and giving. Guests wandered through the Food Bank's volunteer sorting area, the loading dock, agency pick-up area, and the impressive warehouse shelves. Since bringing the annual fundraiser to their actual facility three years ago, the organization does a great job of reminding us why we were there.
You can get a glimpse of how the facility operates, you're surrounded by resources headed out into the community, and they find ways to illustrate their work and the impact that donations have in Greater Cleveland. As a former employee, and event planner for this particular event, it's great to see it take place at the Food Bank and to see how the event continues to grow each year.

We sampled a lot of food last night, but some of the highlights for me were the Rabbit Pie from Edwin's Restaurant (available on their menu, and so delicious!), Chicken Paprikash from Muldoon's Saloon and Eatery, buckwheat crisps from Spice Kitchen + Bar, the Ropa Vieja from University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center, and the watermelon salad from Anna in the Raw.
The event seemed to be a little heavy on the desserts this year. My sweet-toothed boyfriend wasn't complaining at first, but then even he started to turn down dessert stations. I didn't sample many, but I did grab a Chocolate Salty Caramel Cupcake from Little Devil Cupcakery (okay, okay, I went back for a second, I confess), and the Warm Apple Berry Crisp from Lucky's Cafe looked heavenly. "R" also indulged in two samples of Mitchell's Homemade Ice Cream. Looks like we need to make a stop at their newly opened West 25th Street location!

The event raised critical funds for the Food Bank, and their mission is so easy to get behind. One in six people in our area struggle with hunger. I do what I can throughout the year to continue to support this organization. They have great events like this one, volunteer opportunities, a Young Professionals group, and so much more. If you are not currently engaged in the work of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, I urge you to look into it. For every $1 donated to this organization, they can provide four meals in a local hunger center. The money that is raised here, stays here.

Disclosure: I was provided with two General Admission tickets to Market at the Food Bank in exchange for posts. All opinions stated are 100% my own. I personally support this organization, and believe in their work. I am a former employee, and former YP Pantry Council member. 

Thursday, May 1, 2014

2014 Mother's Day Events

Mother's Day is coming up next Sunday, May 11th. It's a day to honor the special mother-figure in your life, and Cleveland is offering several ways to do this. Here is a quick round-up of some Mother's Day events:

Deagan's- Mother's Day Brunch. 10am - 3pm. Still accepting reservations of any size. Call 216-767-5775.

Lago- Mother's Day Brunch. Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar. Fresh squeezed juices. $44.95 adult, $14.95 child, Free 3 years and younger.

Melt Bar and Grilled- Celebrate Mother's Day with signature breakfast and brunch-themed sandwiches, and a Bloody Mary menu. 11am - 4pm.

L'Albatros Brasserie- Open on Sunday for this special event, enjoy daily specials.

Toast- Spring Brunch to celebrate Mother's Day.

The Creekside- Open for breakfast from 8am - 1pm, and dinner from 2pm - 9pm. All mothers receive a free gift. Featured specials.

Pickwick and Frolic- Mother’s Day Brunch, includes over 50 artfully prepared and elegantly presented food preparations. Adults $36.95. Ages 4-12 $16.95. 3 and under FREE. Does not include tax and service charge. Reservations required by calling 216-241-7425. 10am - 3pm. Complimentary valet parking, or self-parking for $2.50.

Paladar Latin Kitchen- Chef-inspired specials. Bottomless mimosas. Call 216-896-9020 for reservations.

The Woods- Six seatings available from 10:00am - 3:00pm. Adults: $23.00. 6-10 yrs: $11.95. 5 & under: $5.95. Call for reservations 440-333-9663.

Thyme2- Mother's Day Brunch Buffet. Buffet items will include carved prime rib, roasted pork loin, omelettes and eggs benedict to order, salmon, chicken, and other popular favorites including breakfast items. Brunch prices will be $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for children under 12, and includes soft drinks, coffee, and ice tea. Tax and gratuity not included.

Downtown 140- Mother's Day Brunch Buffet. Adults – $38, Children 7 to 14 – $18, Children 6 and Under – No Charge. Dinner service from 5pm - 8pm. Call 330-655-2940 for brunch reservations.

Fahrenheit- Mother's Day Brunch. First seating 11am - 1pm, second seating 2pm - 3:30pm. $37.50 for adults, $19.50 for 12 and under, free for kids 4 and under. Soft drinks and coffee included, and mimosas and bellinis for mothers. Reservation required, call 216-781-8858.

Peachtree Southern Kitchen- Mother's Day Brunch. Regular brunch menu available, as well as specials for the occasion. 10:30am - 4pm.

Flour- Mother's Day Brunch. 11am - 2:30pm.

All of these events are taking place on Sunday, May 11th. Please make reservations.

My mother will actually be in town this year for Mother's Day! We plan to spend the day up in the islands with both of our mothers, so let's cross our fingers for good weather. "R" and I are going to show my parents around Put-In-Bay, where we met seven years ago. It's a special place to us, and I look forward to being by the lake for the day.

How will you treat, or remember, your mother or mother-figure next weekend? Please feel free to share any other Mother's Day events in the comments below.