Taste of the Browns Ticket Giveaway

I've got a tasty lunchtime treat for you on this rainy, dreary Monday in Cleveland...it's a ticket giveaway for the Cleveland Foodbank's Taste of the Browns event on Monday, September 10th!

The event is hosted at Browns Stadium, with about 20 of Cleveland's top restaurants serving up delicious samples of their signature dishes. While at the event, you get to meet and mingle with Cleveland Browns alumni and current players, sip on wine, beer, and signature cocktails, and bid on some exclusive auction and raffle prizes. All for a good cause, because for every $1 donated to the Cleveland Foodbank, it allows them to provide four nutritious meals in a local hunger center. Your $150 ticket never went to a better cause, because hunger is something that no one should have to experience. Food is such a basic need, and one that most of us take for granted.

However, hungry is what you'll need to be in order to get through sampling all of the food at this event, because you won't want to miss any of the restaurants. Here is a sneak peek at what some of them will be serving:

- Piew W: lobster taquitos with avocado and corn juice
- Greenhouse Tavern/Sawyer's Street Frites: whole braised beef shin a'la bourguignon
- Momocho: wild boar tamales
- Blue Point Grille: lobster bisque
- Fahrenheit: chicken-basil Parmesan meatball sandwiches
- Georgetown: watermelon and cucumber salad
- AMP 150: Ohio corn soup with pickled ramp and corn salsa
- Deagan's Kitchen & Bar: spicy lamb meatballs with tzatziki and cucumber salad
- Market Garden Brewery: chicken and jalapeno sausage on pretzel crostini
- Zack Bruell Restaurants: Italian boneless pork roast with four unique sides
- One Red Door: jumbo gulf shrimp with mango, tomato, and jalapeno salsa
- XO Prime Steaks: beef and chicken kabobs with Peruvian BBQ sauce

A little something for everyone, and some decadent desserts as well. My mouth is watering.

Want to attend? Tickets are still available here, or you can enter my giveaway and score two general admission tickets to the event. There are two ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post, telling me which dish on the list above sounds the most tantalizing.
2. Tweet- "I want to attend the #TasteoftheBrowns thanks to @BiteBuff's giveaway at http://tinyurl.com/93wr7xr." Make sure you leave a second comment on this post, letting me know that you tweeted. You may tweet once a day to earn more chances to win.

I will select a winner using random.org on Friday, August 31st. Good luck!

Disclosure: I was provided with two general admission tickets to give away to one lucky reader, and two VIP passes to attend the event myself. I am a former employee of the Cleveland Foodbank, and used to plan Taste of the Browns for them. The opinions stated above are 100% my own. This event is truly awesome, and I will always support the important work that the Foodbank does in our community.

Giveaway Winner and Sampling Browns Stadium

Thank you to everyone that entered my Chefs Unbridled ticket giveaway this week. Drum roll please...random.org selected lucky #31- 6502Programmer. Please email me by Monday to claim your prize, or I will select another winner. Include your contact information so that I can pass it on to the organizers of Chefs Unbridled. Tickets are still on sale, if you didn't win.

Now, on to today's post. It is almost Browns regular season. How did that happen? I know that it is right around the corner, because "R" has been rattling on about the home opener tailgating menu for weeks. He takes his tailgating food very seriously. Because isn't fun and delicious game day food half of the experience?

Well, Browns Stadium thinks so. That's why the Cleveland Browns Hospitality Group partnered with three of our area's top chefs to provide game day goodies like no other stadium offers. New dining options from Michael Symon, Jonathon Sawyer, and Rocco Whalen are available for all club and luxury levels ticket holders this season. As part of a tasting preview for club level ticket holders last week, a few of us (bloggers and traditional media representatives) were invited to attend and sample for ourselves. We tried a little bit of everything.

Sawyer's Street Frites will offer menu items such as several kinds of frites (I suggest the Carbonara or Gravy), fish and chips, polish boy, brisket, spiced peanuts, and Danko's Donuts.

Rocco has taken his popular Rosie & Rocco's concept from the casino, and will be serving lovely salads, a variety of meatballs, and specialty pizzas.

Now, Michael Symon wasn't at the event but his larger-than-life mural on the wall reminded you of who was behind the concept of the popular B-Spot. You may remember from a previous post, that I am not a fan of B-Spot. During multiple visits, I found the meat to be dry and under seasoned. Interesting toppings, but beyond that I wasn't impressed with his burgers. Well, the Fat Doug burger that we shared (topped with coleslaw, pastrami, Swiss, and mustard) actually had great flavor and I loved the meat for the first time. Of course, these chefs aren't going to be executing these menus every day at the stadium, so maybe this partnership with ARAMARK was a good thing for the B-Spot burger?

Overall, we all really enjoyed the food and it was certainly leaps and bounds over anything else that I've ever tried at a stadium. The prices are pretty reasonable too, compared to other stadium fare. So, if you are a club or luxury level ticket holder this season...you're in for a treat! These dining options are also available for special events and catering. Browns Stadium is on the cutting edge of stadium food, which is exciting and something to be proud of. It certainly heightened the anticipation of the home opener for me!

Stay tuned for another Browns-related post coming up on Monday (hint, hint-- it's a giveaway for one of my favorite events). Happy Friday, folks!

Disclosure: I was invited by the Cleveland Browns Hospitality Group to join them for a club tasting, and was provided with some delicious food and Browns swag. The opinions stated above are 100% my own. Go Browns! 

Noodlecat Happy Hour

I first visited Chef Sawyer's downtown Noodlecat during a CLEDinnerClub event a few months ago, but Sunday led "R" and I there for some takeout on our way home from running errands. Little did I know, it was Happy Hour.

Noodlecat offers Happy Hour from 3PM-7PM Monday through Saturday, but on Sunday it is available from 11AM-11PM. This means $5 half portions of noodles, $2 steam buns, and an array of drink specials. So, for just $21 we walked away with two orders of noodles, two steam buns, one beer, and tax/tip.

We noshed on the steam buns, and Rick enjoyed a beer, while we waited for the noodles to go. For $2 each, we shared the BBQ Pulled Pork with pickled onions, slaw, and scallions.

We also split the Japanese Fried Chicken with buttermilk crunchies and Iceberg.

I enjoyed the fried chicken steam bun more. The pork was a little dry, and the flavor of the meat seasoning wasn't anything special. I wouldn't get that one again. Both buns were enough for us to each have about two good bites. I do wish the bun itself had been a little warmer.

But, the real star of Noodlecat is the noodles. After having some amazing udon at the dinner event, I couldn't wait to have more. The Happy Hour special is for a half portion, and I ordered the Hokkaido Ramen with roasted pork, butter, chili oil, and creamed corn in a miso corn broth. "R" had the Crispy Beef Short Rib Ramen with kim chee pork broth, super dashi, and sweet sour short ribs.

A half portion, in addition to our bites of steam buns, was enough food for dinner and just $5 (Dining Deals Alert!). I liked the milder flavor of my broth better, but "R's" dish had more contents. The pork was barely there in my ramen.

I know that people have complained about the price point. Personally, I think $11 for a full portion of noodles is reasonable. The ingredients are quality (the noodles are made by local Ohio City Pasta--yum), and the regular size is worth that, in my opinion. But, if the price still turns you off--then I suggest checking out their Happy Hour. I thought it was a good deal, and love that Sunday offers 12 hours of specials.

I look forward to getting my "slurp" on again.

Noodlecat
234 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-589-0007

West Side Market Celebrates 100 Years

Cleveland's famous West Side Market celebrates 100 Years this year, and the year-long celebration is coming to a close with the Centennial Gala on Saturday, November 3rd.

I've bit my tongue at responding to the outrage and negativity that exploded on Twitter and Facebook when the $250 Sous Chef (general admission) tickets went on sale last week. Many people stood up for the event, citing that it is a fundraiser for the West Side Market and the list of local and national chefs is outstanding. However, the bad outweighed the good (at least in my feeds). While I understand that this price-point is out of many people's budgets, I do not think that it justifies the outpouring of negative comments through social media. Yes, it is a HEFTY price to pay for an event ticket for many of us. Yes, the information about exactly what portion of ticket sales or where the money is going has not been fully disclosed. Yes, many great chefs that support the West Side Market on a weekly basis are not included in the lineup of participating chefs. But, does any of this really justify the things that I saw online from some people? No. As someone that works in the local event industry...I can tell you that $250 a ticket (or more) is not unheard of. In fact, it is quite common for a fundraiser. I just volunteered at a charity event on Saturday night that was $250 a ticket at a prestigious golf club with wine tastings and upscale catered food from just the in-house chef. Certainly nothing compared to a once in a lifetime event, like the Centennial Gala!

Here is a list of the participating chefs:

• - April Bloomfield, New York City: The Spotted Pig, The Breslin Bar, The John Dory Oyster Bar
• - Andrew Carmellini, New York City (born in Seven Hills, Ohio): Locanda Verde, The Dutch
• - Britt-Marie Culey, Cleveland: Coquette Patisserie
• - Karen DeMasco, New York City: Locanda Verde
• - Chris Hodgson, Cleveland: Hodges, Hodge Podge and Dim and Den Sum Food Trucks
• - Paul Kahan, Chicago: One Off Hospitality Group including Blackbird, avec, The Publican, Big Star, The Violet Hour
• - Jeff Michaud, Philadelphia: Co-owner Osteria and  Amis
• - Jonathon Sawyer, Cleveland: Greenhouse Tavern, Noodlecat, Street Frites
• - Michael Symon, Cleveland: Lola, Lolita, Roast (Detroit), B-Spot
• - Marc Vetri, Philadelphia: Vetri, Osteria, Amis, Alla Spina
• - Eric Williams, Cleveland: Momocho, Happy Dog
• - Paul Minnillo, Cleveland: Flour
• - Rocco Whalen, Cleveland: Fahrenheit, Rosie & Rocco’s
• - Andrew Zimmern: Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern; Andrew Zimmern’s Bizarre World; Bizarre Foods America on the Travel Channel

The $250 ticket includes valet parking, tasting of chef's signature dishes, open bar, and a commemorative gift from Great Lakes Brewing Company. Personally, I am looking forward to a fancy night at the West Side Market celebrating its history and sampling food from some fabulous chefs. Would I have liked to see more representation of our local culinary scene? Sure. Do I understand that many of you may not be able to attend because of the ticket price? Yes, I get it.

I think that you should focus on the events that you can attend, and support celebrating the WSM. There is something for everyone. We should all be rejoicing in the fact that we have something like the West Side Market, and that it is still alive and well after 100 years. Cleveland is lucky.

About the West Side Market
The West Side Market is Cleveland’s historic public market and home to more than 100 diverse vendors offering fine meats and seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, dairy and cheese products, fresh flowers, ready-to-eat foods, herbs, candy and nuts. An estimated one million visitors from all over the world shop the Market every year, drawn by television programs that feature the West Side Market on the Travel Channel and Food Network.

The West Side Market’s beginnings date back to 1840 and were commissioned by the City of Cleveland. The current building took 14 years to build at a cost of $734,890.72. Whether for first-time shoppers or regular customers, the West Side Market remains a treasured tradition in Cleveland and continues to offer an authentic and culturally diverse shopping experience where many stalls have remained under individual family control for much of the life of the Market — in a few cases dating back to its 1912 opening. Today, the Market is owned and operated by the City of Cleveland.

So, "R" and I purchased our tickets to the gala this morning (now the website says "Sold Out" again) and I personally can't wait to attend. I know that many will not be able to come, but I hope that you consider splurging for this event or attending the free Street Festival and Parade on October 7th to help support the WSM. If you need me, we'll be holed up in the house saving up to pay off the credit card purchase...but I do think (and hope) that it will be worth it.



UPDATE--- This afternoon, they announced that they will be adding a "People's Party" at Crop Bistro on Friday, November 2nd from 9PM - 2AM for just $25. Approximately 1,000 tickets will be sold, and any local chef can participate that is interested in contributing. It will feature informal potluck-style food, live music, cash bar, and auction. Tickets will be available at Cleveland Food Rocks, but they haven't gone on sale yet. So...now everyone really can afford to support the West Side Market. A free festival and parade, a $25 party, and $250 gala. Pick your poison. Hope to see all of Cleveland out celebrating!

Chefs Unbridled Giveaway

Happy Sunday, folks! Enjoy your last day of the weekend, and I've got a fun ticket giveaway to brighten your day. Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center (FFTRC) is hosting "Chefs Unbridled", presented by the Jim Thome Family, on Saturday, September 15th at the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club Polo Field in Gates Mills. The event is from 6:30 - 9:30PM, with cocktails and a tasting dinner from some of our area's great chefs. The lineup includes:

Nate Barker of The Welshfield Inn
Chris Hodgson of HODGES
Jeff Jarrett of AMP 150
Scott Kuhn, Restaurateur/Chef of Driftwood Restaurant Group
Matt Mytro of Flour
Jonathon Sawyer of The Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat

In case you aren’t familiar, Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center (located in Bainbridge) is one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in the country, serving about 800 students annually (from preschoolers to veterans). Through a special partnership with horses, Fieldstone offers programs designed by professionals to foster personal growth and individual achievement for people with disabilities.

Tickets are still available for this event. The good news? One lucky reader and a guest will get to attend the event, and support the work of FFTRC. Two ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post, telling me which chef you'd look forward to trying. Personally, I'd like to sample food from Matt Mytro at Flour. I haven't had his food in years.
2. Tweet "I want to attend Chefs Unbridled to benefit #FFTRC thanks to @BiteBuff at http://tinyurl.com/d7tentm". Make sure that you leave a second comment on this post to let me know that you tweeted. You can tweet once a day from now until Friday, August 24th.

I will select a winner using random.org on Friday. Good luck!

Disclosure: I was offered two tickets to use as a giveaway, and two tickets to attend the event. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend because "R's" mom is getting married that day! The opinions stated are 100% my own.