To help me get back in the Christmas spirit, today I want to share with you some upcoming holiday events taking place at local restaurants. There are plenty of special dinners and events taking place to help you celebrate the season.
Monday, December 17th- Ale, Cookies, and Ugly Christmas Sweaters. Join the YP Pantry of the Cleveland Foodbank to celebrate the holidays at Bier Market/Bar Cento. 6:00PM, free to attend. 15% of your food and drink bill will be donated to the Cleveland Foodbank. Plus, there will be a prize for the best ugly Christmas sweater! RSVP here. All are welcome to attend, enjoy some beers and cookies, and learn more about the Young Professionals group.
Monday, December 17th- Holiday Beer Dinner at Grovewood Tavern. 6:30PM. $48 + tax and gratuity. Reservation only, call 216-531-4900. Six-course menu, paired with different holiday brews. Recipe book available.
Thursday, December 20th- Your Last Meal at The Black Pig. Come celebate the Mayan calendar ending with a meal full of people's favorite "last meal" goodies. Six-course meal. 7:00PM. Call to reserve your spot at 216-862-7551.
Saturday, December 22nd- "A Christmas Story" Dinner at Touch Supper Club. Classic dishes from the movie, with wine pairings. Following the dinner, an Old Skool Club Kids Holiday Party. All proceeds will benefit the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland. Call 216-631-5200 for reservations.
Sunday, December 23rd- Classic Holiday Dinner at Light Bistro. Reservations available from 4:00PM - 8:30PM. $45. Chef Matthew presents his take on a traditional Dickensian holiday feast, straight from some of our favorite classic holiday movies. Reservations only, call 216-771-7130.
Monday, December 24th- $3 Christmas Ale all night long at the Tremont Tap House.
Thursday, December 27th- Champagne Dinner at Bistro 185. 6:30PM. Five courses. $100 + tax and gratuity. Call 216-481-9635 for reservations.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Stink, Stank, Stunk- My Christmas Funk
So, usually I try to keep things pretty positive on this blog. Sharing my experiences dining out around town (luckily, most of them are good ones), and promoting local events and businesses that I believe in. However, I am so riled up right now over something that has happened that I just felt like sharing it with you.
The situation has made me question how some people can justify their actions. It has put me in a real GRINCH mood, because it's related to a Christmas present.
Normally, I procrastinate my Christmas shopping until the last minute. This year, I did what I always say that I am going to do-- get a head start on my shopping, and spread out my purchases. I started in October, which amazed even me. I selected a couple of fun, small items for family members, and placed some online orders.
One item was from Sur la Table, for my dad. I received an email receipt, and then notification of UPS tracking just a couple of days later. It was noted to arrive on November 5th. November 5th came and went, so I checked online and UPS tracked it as being "delivered". I went outside and dug through the leaf piles by our doors, nope. Nothing showed up at the house for days. So, I emailed and then called their Customer Service line.
Plan of action? File a claim with UPS and make them look into the delivery of my package. Uhh, ok, I guess. This took several weeks, and was only just resolved yesterday through UPS. Luckily, I have a great local delivery guy that took my claim very seriously. A different driver had been on my route that day, and sure enough-- he had delivered my package to the street behind us. Over a month ago!!!
Satellite tracking proved it. My neighbor received my package, which clearly was not addressed to you, you jerk, and they decided that instead of delivering it to our address themselves or contacting UPS, they would just KEEP it. You are now in possession of my property. UPS has knocked on their door twice now (he was convinced that they were home at least one of the times).
Meanwhile, Sur la Table...can't you just replace my $26 item instead of making this drag on for so long? I paid for it, and I don't have it. That's not great customer service, if you ask me. I finally received a call from them this afternoon, confirming that they are replacing the item and shipping it in time for the holiday. I'm still going to cross my fingers.
This whole ordeal did lead to some pretty evil dreams last night. Some of which may have included a flaming bag of dog poo on my neighbor's steps, me confronting them at their door with the scariest-looking of our three pooches with me, filing a police report, etc.
I mean, WHO DOES THAT?!?! I hope you enjoy my dad's Christmas gift, punk.
"You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch.
You're a nasty, wasty skunk.
Your heart is full of unwashed socks
Your soul is full of gunk.
Mr. Grinch.
The three words that best describe you, are as follows, and I quote: Stink, Stank, Stunk!" - The Grinch Song
The situation has made me question how some people can justify their actions. It has put me in a real GRINCH mood, because it's related to a Christmas present.
One item was from Sur la Table, for my dad. I received an email receipt, and then notification of UPS tracking just a couple of days later. It was noted to arrive on November 5th. November 5th came and went, so I checked online and UPS tracked it as being "delivered". I went outside and dug through the leaf piles by our doors, nope. Nothing showed up at the house for days. So, I emailed and then called their Customer Service line.
Plan of action? File a claim with UPS and make them look into the delivery of my package. Uhh, ok, I guess. This took several weeks, and was only just resolved yesterday through UPS. Luckily, I have a great local delivery guy that took my claim very seriously. A different driver had been on my route that day, and sure enough-- he had delivered my package to the street behind us. Over a month ago!!!
Satellite tracking proved it. My neighbor received my package, which clearly was not addressed to you, you jerk, and they decided that instead of delivering it to our address themselves or contacting UPS, they would just KEEP it. You are now in possession of my property. UPS has knocked on their door twice now (he was convinced that they were home at least one of the times).
Meanwhile, Sur la Table...can't you just replace my $26 item instead of making this drag on for so long? I paid for it, and I don't have it. That's not great customer service, if you ask me. I finally received a call from them this afternoon, confirming that they are replacing the item and shipping it in time for the holiday. I'm still going to cross my fingers.
This whole ordeal did lead to some pretty evil dreams last night. Some of which may have included a flaming bag of dog poo on my neighbor's steps, me confronting them at their door with the scariest-looking of our three pooches with me, filing a police report, etc.
I mean, WHO DOES THAT?!?! I hope you enjoy my dad's Christmas gift, punk.
"You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch.
You're a nasty, wasty skunk.
Your heart is full of unwashed socks
Your soul is full of gunk.
Mr. Grinch.
The three words that best describe you, are as follows, and I quote: Stink, Stank, Stunk!" - The Grinch Song
Monday, December 10, 2012
Dine and Dash Guide
Happy Monday, folks. Where did this weekend go? While we did enjoy a nice date night on Friday (more on that later), got some Christmas shopping done, and wrapped all of the presents while I ferociously cleaned the house as Hoarders played in the background (dead cat behind a dresser, eww)...I still feel like it flew by.
This is a busy time of year, so I wanted to share something with you from The Plain Dealer that you may not have caught last week. In the Friday Magazine, they had an article called "Dine and Dash Guide" with great dining deals at some area restaurants. Some of which, I had never even heard of. This article is perfect for my ongoing Dining Deals series (meals under $10), so I had to post this article. Thanks, The Plain Dealer!
Here is the link to the full article: http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/12/dine_and_dash_guide_bars_resta.html
$5 burger and beers
$4.99 steaks
Tacos
Wings
Sushi
$9.99 Indian buffet (for dinner, yay! You know I'm heading here soon.)
...something for everyone. If you're dining on a budget, or just looking for a deal, this is a fun resource to check out. I'll be continuing the Dining Deals series into 2013, so always keep your eye out on my posts.
This is a busy time of year, so I wanted to share something with you from The Plain Dealer that you may not have caught last week. In the Friday Magazine, they had an article called "Dine and Dash Guide" with great dining deals at some area restaurants. Some of which, I had never even heard of. This article is perfect for my ongoing Dining Deals series (meals under $10), so I had to post this article. Thanks, The Plain Dealer!
Here is the link to the full article: http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/12/dine_and_dash_guide_bars_resta.html
$5 burger and beers
$4.99 steaks
Tacos
Wings
Sushi
$9.99 Indian buffet (for dinner, yay! You know I'm heading here soon.)
...something for everyone. If you're dining on a budget, or just looking for a deal, this is a fun resource to check out. I'll be continuing the Dining Deals series into 2013, so always keep your eye out on my posts.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Marotta's
I knocked another restaurant off of my 2012 "To Dine" list-- Marotta's in Cleveland Heights. Located on Lee Road, it's funny--because I've dined at restaurants on either side of this small Italian place without ever realizing that it was there.
When you walk in, you're immediately wrapped in a dark, cozy, and warm atmosphere. Very romantic, or a great spot to be able to catch up over intimate conversation with friends. However, it did make it difficult to read the menu or take pictures of our meal.
The menu isn't very large, but they have a nice assortment of appetizers, salads, pastas, entrees, and their famous pizza. Be warned-- the menu online isn't accurate. I had my heart set on a pasta dish packed with veggies in a lemon cream sauce, but sadly it is no longer offered.
My lovely dining companion, Crystal, and I both decided on the pasta special of the night-- Butternut Squash Ravioli with seasonal vegetables in a Prosecco and brown butter sauce.
It was a sizable portion, and I took some home for lunch the next day. It included a house salad with my choice of dressing (I went with Creamy Garlic), and crusty Italian bread. The salad was just your average boring salad, but the bread was very good. Overall, I liked the ravioli dish but I didn't love it. It was missing "something" that I couldn't put my finger on. I also took a Tiramisu to-go for "R" (it's one of his favorites), and was disappointed in the size of the portion when I got home and he opened it up. For two glasses of wine, two entrees, and one dessert-- the bill came to $105. I felt that was a little pricey, but we've experienced similar over-pricing in that area.
I do have to say that the staff was amazing. They were always attentive, the timing of our food was perfect, and they really didn't seem to care when we sat there chatting for over three hours ("R" thought that I had been kidnapped). It is worth noting that they don't accept reservations.
I hear that their pizza is quite good, but I just wasn't in the mood for pizza that night. So, if you do decide to go, then maybe give that a try. For this west-sider, I don't think that I'll make the drive back over there for Marotta's. But it was fun to check it out, and to knock another restaurant off the list that my readers selected for me this year.
Want to help me choose the 2013 list of ten restaurants to dine at? Head on over to this blog post, and leave me a comment with your suggestions. I'll pick ten, and announce them in January!
Marotta's
2289 Lee Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
216-932-9264
When you walk in, you're immediately wrapped in a dark, cozy, and warm atmosphere. Very romantic, or a great spot to be able to catch up over intimate conversation with friends. However, it did make it difficult to read the menu or take pictures of our meal.
My lovely dining companion, Crystal, and I both decided on the pasta special of the night-- Butternut Squash Ravioli with seasonal vegetables in a Prosecco and brown butter sauce.
I do have to say that the staff was amazing. They were always attentive, the timing of our food was perfect, and they really didn't seem to care when we sat there chatting for over three hours ("R" thought that I had been kidnapped). It is worth noting that they don't accept reservations.
I hear that their pizza is quite good, but I just wasn't in the mood for pizza that night. So, if you do decide to go, then maybe give that a try. For this west-sider, I don't think that I'll make the drive back over there for Marotta's. But it was fun to check it out, and to knock another restaurant off the list that my readers selected for me this year.
Want to help me choose the 2013 list of ten restaurants to dine at? Head on over to this blog post, and leave me a comment with your suggestions. I'll pick ten, and announce them in January!
Marotta's
2289 Lee Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
216-932-9264
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Time to Pick 2013 "To Dine"
It's hard to believe, but December is here and this year is coming to a close. While it didn't turn out quite how I had planned, this year was still pretty good to me. I continued to receive amazing support from "R", family, and friends as my health issue continues (never-ending story), I met new friends, traveled, welcomed my friend's beautiful little girl into the world, and of course--enjoyed some wonderful meals along the way. 2012 may not have been all that I had hoped it would be, but 2013 will be...I can feel it.
Even though I still have three restaurants left on my 2012 "To Dine" list, it's time to look ahead. Help me select my Top Ten Restaurants to make the 2013 "To Dine" list! I enjoyed having my readers make the suggestions last year, and it's been great checking them all out. So, we're going to continue that theme.
Tell me about some of your favorite spots that simply don't get the recognition that they deserve. That hole-in-the-wall bar with an outstanding burger, the best kept secret in AsiaTown, a suburb hot spot that is worth the drive--I want to hear about them! Ten will make the list, and I'll reveal them at the start of the new year.
What restaurant(s) do you think should make my 2013 list?
Even though I still have three restaurants left on my 2012 "To Dine" list, it's time to look ahead. Help me select my Top Ten Restaurants to make the 2013 "To Dine" list! I enjoyed having my readers make the suggestions last year, and it's been great checking them all out. So, we're going to continue that theme.
Tell me about some of your favorite spots that simply don't get the recognition that they deserve. That hole-in-the-wall bar with an outstanding burger, the best kept secret in AsiaTown, a suburb hot spot that is worth the drive--I want to hear about them! Ten will make the list, and I'll reveal them at the start of the new year.
What restaurant(s) do you think should make my 2013 list?