EDWINS Butcher Shop

We recently popped over to the east side to visit the newly opened EDWINS Butcher Shop on Buckeye Road, just south of Shaker Square and the flagship restaurant.

They opened their doors in mid-December, offering traditional cuts of raw and cured meats, as well as several house-made items like bratwurst and sausages.

In addition to what you'd find in a traditional butcher shop, you'll also see a selection of dried goods, sauces and other condiments (a few locally made), and a handful of other small surprises in the shop.

Shoppers can also complete their meal preparation from a selection of wines by the bottle, draught beer sold by the crowler or growler, and bottled beer and soda.

But, you can also pop in to enjoy a selection of house-made sandwiches, soups, and other prepared meals. You can dine in, or take it to go. I scooped up a pickle from the GIANT jar on the counter, and it was crisp, juicy, and flavorful.

The butcher shop is part of the EDWINS growing campus, training recently released incarcerated individuals that are looking for a second chance and marketable skills. This is just one more step in the program's expansion plans. The future holds a spice shop and bakery, from what I've read.

EDWINS Butcher Shop
13024 Buckeye Road
Cleveland, OH 44120
(216) 417-1100

How Do You Say Goodbye

"Am I a cancer survivor?," he asked. My mom immediately, and firmly, said "Yes!" But I could tell that he was pondering it further, and so was I.

My dad was preparing to be the featured patient speaker at a Relay for Life event in my hometown last summer as we had this brief, but impactful, conversation. His journey with cancer had started 24 years prior. But the end was near, and he was going to lose his life to cancer. I think he was having a difficult time feeling like he was "surviving" the disease.

survivor[ser-vahy-ver]
noun
- a person or thing that survives.
- Law. the one of two or more designated persons, as joint tenants or others having a joint interest, who outlives the other or others.
- a person who continues to function or prosper in spite of opposition, hardship, or setbacks.

That last line resonates with me, and not just for my dad, but for the entire family.

On February 1st, I lost my dad to cancer.

While I wasn't ready to say "Goodbye" to someone that had made such an impact on my life and shaped who I am today, I did get the chance to. I made it to NY to be by his bedside, just hours before he passed. I shook him awake, and he looked right at me. I said "Dad, I'm here. I made it in time." and he said, "Wow. Wow." before he let out three big sighs. I said, "Dad, I love you. I love you so much." and he said, "I love you too." That was the moment I needed.

For me, it wasn't truly "Goodbye" because I know that he'll still be with me. I'll hear his voice when I need it most, and that booming and quick laugh will never be forgotten. But life certainly won't be the same, and I won't be the same.

I am grateful that his battle with cancer took 24 years before claiming his life. His body may have  been consumed by the disease, but he was NEVER defined by it. The last four and a half years, when the battle got really tough, we focused on the good. The time together, making new memories, and still laughing a lot.

Life will go on. I will survive without my dad. But a piece of my heart will remain forever broken.

A person who continues to function or prosper in spite of opposition, hardship, or setbacks. That was my dad. That is me.

As I reflect back now...Yes, you were a cancer survivor.

I love you, dad. And I can still hear you saying "I love you too."

Saucisson Winter Classes

The Lady Butchers behind Saucisson have been offering Sausage Making Classes since they opened their butcher shop in Slavic Village. We did an in-home sausage and fresh pasta making class with them that was fabulous!

But this winter, they've added on some additional types of classes that I totally thought was worth sharing with you.

February 9th- Fresh Pasta & Beef Bolognese ($65)
February 16th- Group Sausage Making ($45)
February 23rd- Soups ($55)
March 9th- Group Sausage Making ($45)
March 23rd- Pork Braising ($55)
April 13th- Charcuterie & Cheese Board ($65)
April 27th- Group Sausage Making ($45)

All classes are held on Saturdays from 1PM - 4PM at their shop on Fleet Avenue (except April 13th will be from 2PM - 4PM with the farmer and cheese maker of Yellow House Cheese).

You'll be learning techniques and preparing some foods to be consumed during the class, but you walk away with the fixings for Sunday dinner.

Reservations are required, as spaces are limited. So don't wait! 

Saucisson
5324 Fleet Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44105
(216) 303-9067

Lox, Stock, and Brisket

I've been dying to get out east to try Lox, Stock and Brisket Delicatessen ever since photos of their mouth-watering looking sandwiches started hitting social media. The buzz about this new fast casual restaurant grew from there. Finally, I was over on the east side at lunchtime, so Mr. H and I popped in.

The space is comfortable and cute.

With chalkboard menus on the wall, it's easy to browse. But the staff were also immediately helpful at identifying which sandwiches are the most popular once we said that it was our first time in.

Mr. H ordered The Rueben ($12) with cured and smoked brisket, kraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye. The brisket was great!

But I had to go for the sandwich that was causing the most buzz on social media, the Lincoln Park ($11) with buttermilk chicken schnitzel, bread & butter pickle slaw, and hot sauce aioli on a roll. This sandwich lived up to the hype! If you don't care for spicy food, don't let the hot sauce aioli throw you off, there really wasn't any heat to it. Personally, I'd love to see the chicken pounded thinner. It ate more like a fried chicken sandwich to me than a schnitzel, but that's just personal preference. I'd totally order it again.

The only thing I didn't care for was the Potato Salad served on the side. Diners have a choice of coleslaw or potato salad as a side. The flavor was a little sweet for my taste, and the texture was so smooth that it ate like cold mashed potatoes to me.

They also serve breakfast, cater meetings or events, or sell some of their meats by the pound.

Chef Anthony Zappola has quite a long list of credentials, including working under Tom Colicchio. He returned to his hometown of Cleveland recently, and has already opened his second Northeast Ohio concept, The Rice Shop at Ohio City Galley. So us west-siders can rejoice!

Lox, Stock, and Brisket
13892 Cedar Road
University Heights, OH 44118
(216) 471-8175

De Massimo's Authentic Sauces

Have you heard of De Massimo's Authentic Sauces yet?

The story of De Massimo's sauce is all about family.  Their sauces are "Old World" Italian recipes that were handed down over generations. I was introduced to them by the company owner's sister, who is a professional contact that I've gotten to know well over the last three years.

He began his dream in 2015 by offering his family's sauces at the Hilliard City Farmers’ Market. Since then, De Massimo’s has established a growing retail and food service presence and participates in various markets and events throughout Ohio and the Midwest. Locally, you can find them in Heinen's, Nature's Oasis, Miles Farmers Market, and Giant Eagle Market District (as well as several other smaller retailers).

Currently, they offer Classic, Pizza, and Arrabbiata sauces. I was gifted a three-pack for the holidays, and I recently used the Classic and Arrabbiata to make Mr. H dinner for his birthday. They were seasoned well and made me look good for this easy Stuffed Shells recipe!

We're running very low on our homemade sauce Mr. H made this summer, so this new-to-us brand will be stocking our shelves until we make some more. Go try some!