So recently I visited another city in Ohio and I was taken aback by how mean people where. No one held the door. A person bumped into me and said nothing. I stopped a woman who dropped a $20 bill and she did not even say thank you. When I asked about this phenomena, I was told that it was a part of town where people are rather wealthy and they feel entitled. Somehow that is supposed to translate to, I don't have to be nice to my neighbor.
On the last day of this trip, I realized how much I take Clevelanders for granted. At the beginning of the Cleveland Indians season, new manager Terry Francona gave an interview where he stated that he was surprised at how nice people were in Cleveland. It finally dawned on me while I was in the state's capital...oh, I know I just let it slip...that Clevelanders really are a caring bunch.
Whenever I am leaving a store or restaurant, people rush a few steps to hold the door. I have had strangers make googly faces at my children when they are crying in the grocery store instead of huffing that they have to listen to them. People generally tip well, ok, I don't really know this, but people in my inner circle tip well because that is what we do.
Today marks 12 years since September 11th 2001. More than previous years, today feels like there is a shroud hanging over us. Initially I was looking forward to keeping my head down and wishing the day away so the shroud would be gone tomorrow. I saw a police officer in the middle of the street directing traffic. Then it dawned on me that I saw several police officers in intersections that I normally do not see. Security is definitely beefed up today. It's also 92 degrees at lunch. I decided to do something nice for a bunch of people...anonymously though. It took the rest of lunch. To see the relief and joy on people's faces makes me happy and proud. One of my mantras is do to others as you would want. Hmm...what would make my day if I was standing in the extreme heat? I am a Clevelander who helps make this place one of the nicest cities. I know of friends who are doing the same as well. Brit bought a homeless man lunch. Another fed meters that were about to expire. Yes, law enforcement friends, I know it's not technically legal, but wouldn't you want someone to put an extra dime in the meter for you instead of getting a $150 ticket?
Join me. In honor of those who lost their lives, do something good for someone else today. Offer a hand, a smile, a word of encouragement, drop off food to a struggling family, pass out water to hot workers, pet a dog. It does not have to be a permanent commitment. Do one good thing today.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Thursday, July 11, 2013
What could bring me back??? Some darn good southern cooking at Stonetown
It's been a while...it's been a long while since I last posted. Life has been quite hectic being pregnant, dealing with crazy weather/house issues, having a baby, dealing with postpartum anxiety and then depression, all the while still trying to work. Life has been demanding and something had to give. Several things did give and this blog was one of them. But, I am now in a better place so I am back. So...what would be my first post back? The Cleveland Zoo? The second half of my West Side Market post? Nope.
Today, a co-worker and I went to a place on Prospect and about East 6th Street area called Stonetown. It is affiliated with Angie's Soul Food Cafe. You might remember that I really dig their food truck. Anyway, we made the hike over there and sat down. I was thirsty so I ordered a water. My co-worker ordered an ice tea. Very important to remember a southern/soul food restaurant will serve sweet tea, not brewed unsweetened tea. They serve their drinks in 32oz mason jars. I wish my water would have come in one of those, but they quickly brought me a bottle to refill my water which was great. I hate waiting for water refills on a hot day.
The menu looked awesome and I saw several items that I wanted to try. My co-worker decided on the red fish tacos that come with a side of sweet potato fries and a side of collard greens. Initially, I was going to order the tacos as well, but then opted for the Yard Bird, Red Velvet waffles, and Grits. I was a little worried that it would be a gooey, overly sweet mess, but I did run this morning so I thought, what the heck. Oh my, my that was some delicious food! I ate all of it! There was not one thing of my plate that was average; it was all excellent. I picked at the bare fried chicken wing bones looking for a morsel more of meat to eat. I hate to admit this, but I actually contemplated ordering more fried chicken. Two fried chicken wings was not enough. It was heavenly. Oh and the grits! Smooth, buttery with some salt. It was some of the best grits I have ever had. No joke. The two small round Red Velvet waffles were great. They were not too sweet and they came dry so I could put on as little or as much syrup or butter as I wanted. It was a delicious end of the meal dessert.
Best part? The prices are ridiculously awesome (at least for lunch). My meal was $6.95. I will definitely be going back. I will definitely be having more fried chicken. I am probably going to dream about this meal tonight.
Stonetown is located at 627 Prospect Ave. http://www.stonetownusa.com/ Reservations for dinner is highly suggested.
Today, a co-worker and I went to a place on Prospect and about East 6th Street area called Stonetown. It is affiliated with Angie's Soul Food Cafe. You might remember that I really dig their food truck. Anyway, we made the hike over there and sat down. I was thirsty so I ordered a water. My co-worker ordered an ice tea. Very important to remember a southern/soul food restaurant will serve sweet tea, not brewed unsweetened tea. They serve their drinks in 32oz mason jars. I wish my water would have come in one of those, but they quickly brought me a bottle to refill my water which was great. I hate waiting for water refills on a hot day.
The menu looked awesome and I saw several items that I wanted to try. My co-worker decided on the red fish tacos that come with a side of sweet potato fries and a side of collard greens. Initially, I was going to order the tacos as well, but then opted for the Yard Bird, Red Velvet waffles, and Grits. I was a little worried that it would be a gooey, overly sweet mess, but I did run this morning so I thought, what the heck. Oh my, my that was some delicious food! I ate all of it! There was not one thing of my plate that was average; it was all excellent. I picked at the bare fried chicken wing bones looking for a morsel more of meat to eat. I hate to admit this, but I actually contemplated ordering more fried chicken. Two fried chicken wings was not enough. It was heavenly. Oh and the grits! Smooth, buttery with some salt. It was some of the best grits I have ever had. No joke. The two small round Red Velvet waffles were great. They were not too sweet and they came dry so I could put on as little or as much syrup or butter as I wanted. It was a delicious end of the meal dessert.
Photo from Stonetown's website because I really did not want
to use a picture of my chicken bones and bare plate.
Best part? The prices are ridiculously awesome (at least for lunch). My meal was $6.95. I will definitely be going back. I will definitely be having more fried chicken. I am probably going to dream about this meal tonight.
Stonetown is located at 627 Prospect Ave. http://www.stonetownusa.com/ Reservations for dinner is highly suggested.
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