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.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
I am very thankful for Fresh Fork Market
Fresh Fork Market isn't a destination in CLE, but I am so happy with it that I must share. First, I will digress.
A year and a half ago I joined my first CSA. If you do not know what a CSA is by now, you need to get with it! CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Food grown by local farmers. Winter 2010-2011, I signed up for an organic CSA that delivered one basket a month in the winter and once a week in the summer. I had to drive to a "somewhat" local farmer's market to pick up my fruits and vegetables. If I wanted eggs or meats, I had to purchase them extra. I bought eggs occasionally, which I loved. Unfortunately, I never bought meat because it wasn't available at the market. I would have to drive out to the farm over an hour away to pick it up. The winter baskets were fine because I received a lot of squashes, pumpkins, and root veggies that I could mash up for a young Little Dudo. However, I was extremely disappointed in the summer deliveries. I understand that it was a very wet spring last year (the extreme opposite of this year). Some weeks, I felt that I was wasting gas and my precious time driving to pick up my puny order. One pick-up in particular, I received one zucchini, a bunch of very wilted lettuce, an onion, a few potatoes, and one small head of garlic. The deliveries simply were not enough to cover my initial expense. I could have bought the same amount at the West Side Market for half the price! Fortunately other people complained because the next few weeks the baskets were bigger, but the veggies were still wilted. That CSA was a small operation and after a while I realized that they took on more subscribers than they could handle.
Not only that, they lacked customer service. I saw the same person every single week for almost a year and he did not once remember me. He didn't have to remember my name, but at least remember that I am one of your CSA subscribers. I missed my order one week and asked if I could drive out to the farm to pick it up. I was told to come on down. I packed Little Dudo in the car and we set out on this long, long drive. When I got to the farm, no one was home. We walked around looking at the chickens for 20 minutes until he finally rolled up. I was so angry. The very last straw came in the final weeks of the CSA. I drove to the farmer's market early with Little Dudo for my pick-up. I checked in and waited for him to assemble my basket. Then I was told I had to wait because he wanted to get the order for the guy who came after me...he had a larger order than I did. Here I am in 90 degree weather holding a baby and I had to take a back seat for an middle aged balding male. I knew at that point I would need another CSA. I was not going to give up on my quest for delicious, organic local food, I was just giving up on that CSA. I tell you this long winded story so you understand how very thankful I am for Fresh Fork Market.
I spoke to a former co-worker who is similar minded about his family's food. He said that he joined Fresh Fork Market and loved it. I immediately went to their website http://wp.freshforkmarket.com/ which had a ton of information about the program, how it started, some of the farmers and vendors they work with, and sample weekly deliveries. I could not believe what I read that they worked with farmers AND vendors. Not only would I be receiving fruits and vegetables, but also meats, cheeses, grains, eggs, syrup, and other special goodies rotated each week. I would hardly ever get the same foods weeks in a row, like the previous CSA. Not everything is organic, but their concern for sustainability and chemical pesticides made me want to join. It was winter time so I emailed and also called to see if I could be added on. A few days later, Trevor called me and said that I was in luck and could be added to the winter session. Trevor emailed me a few times to set up my online profile. I received emails the Tuesday before my bi-Thursday delivery, informing me of what I would expect to receive. Also, FFM has numerous pick-up locations on different days. If I could not make it to the one in my hometown, then I could go to a neighboring one on a different day. If I was on vacation, then I could roll over credit to another week. FFM isn't a CSA. They describe themselves as a "grocery subscription based on a CSA model." I like to think of it as a CSA on steroids.
Fresh Fork Market has far exceeded my expectations and I will never leave this company unless they close up shop. During the winter, the emphasis was on meats, cheeses, and other non-perishable staples. (FFM has vegetarian and vegan options as well.) I also received raspberries and corn frozen from the summer harvest and other veggies that were grown in greenhouses, which Dudo loved. I was so happy with the winter bags that I quickly paid upfront for the large weekly summer subscription. The few weeks wait between the end of winter and the first summer pick-up was torturous. Soon, the month of June approached and then we all received communications from Trevor about the upcoming summer FMM season.
In case you did not pick up from previous posts, we are adding a little chica to our happy family. So, I am not in the mood to go grocery shopping every week for our expanding broad. FMM to the rescue! With weekly pick-ups, I have lots of veggies, fruits, and plenty of proteins to cook delicious and nutritious meals for the fam. There are small packages or large packages for weekly summer pick-up. I opted for the large package. I have froze food to use over the winter and given some goodies away too. Every week is different. I am surprised that I am anxious to read my Tuesday email outlining what will be in my Thursday delivery.
That's another thing that I love about FMM. I feel like I am part of the FMM community. Not only does Trevor send emails about the contents of the weekly pick-ups, but he also sends out newsletters with recipes and hints on how to use the items in the bag. There are also FMM happy hours, farm tours, wine visits, and cooking and instructional classes. Anytime I have a problem, I go on the FMM Facebook page and post my problem or issue. Lots of fellow subscribers come to my aid and offer suggestions. It's also a good place to share recipes that we used with our week's haul.
Unlike other FFM bloggers, I do not take pictures of my FFM bag contents. Why? Because I am too focused on getting that fresh goodness in the fridge or freezer and I always think of it after we have eaten some things. I did make a huge effort to take this pictures from my Thursday pick-up a few weeks back.
I received beets with greens attached, bok choy, green lettuce, kohlrabi, tomatoes, kale (I think, I'm reciting this from memory), peaches, apricots, red onion, white onion, cucumbers, zucchini, pork shoulder, and Ohio City pasta made exclusively for FFM.
This is what I purchased at the truck to add to my order: eggs, yummy Ohio Maple syrup, and Pope's barbecue sauce that he makes exclusively for FFM.
As you can see, it's not difficult to come up with dinner for an entire week, if I could persuade my pregnant self to cook every night of the week. I made pulled pork sandwiches for my husband and a guest and after freezing the leftovers, we ate it two more times.
I hope this post conveys how thankful I am for FFM and all the time Trevor, Robert, and all the FFM crew put in to provide my and several hundred other families wonderful local food each week. They work in the rain, heat, and snow to pick up the food within a 75 mile radius of Cleveland and then stand out there at all the drop off locations for hours. If you have any interest in local food, I implore you to check out FFM. Fresh Fork Market has been one of the best decisions I have made to provide my family with better quality food while support our local economy. Thank you FFM.
A year and a half ago I joined my first CSA. If you do not know what a CSA is by now, you need to get with it! CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Food grown by local farmers. Winter 2010-2011, I signed up for an organic CSA that delivered one basket a month in the winter and once a week in the summer. I had to drive to a "somewhat" local farmer's market to pick up my fruits and vegetables. If I wanted eggs or meats, I had to purchase them extra. I bought eggs occasionally, which I loved. Unfortunately, I never bought meat because it wasn't available at the market. I would have to drive out to the farm over an hour away to pick it up. The winter baskets were fine because I received a lot of squashes, pumpkins, and root veggies that I could mash up for a young Little Dudo. However, I was extremely disappointed in the summer deliveries. I understand that it was a very wet spring last year (the extreme opposite of this year). Some weeks, I felt that I was wasting gas and my precious time driving to pick up my puny order. One pick-up in particular, I received one zucchini, a bunch of very wilted lettuce, an onion, a few potatoes, and one small head of garlic. The deliveries simply were not enough to cover my initial expense. I could have bought the same amount at the West Side Market for half the price! Fortunately other people complained because the next few weeks the baskets were bigger, but the veggies were still wilted. That CSA was a small operation and after a while I realized that they took on more subscribers than they could handle.
Not only that, they lacked customer service. I saw the same person every single week for almost a year and he did not once remember me. He didn't have to remember my name, but at least remember that I am one of your CSA subscribers. I missed my order one week and asked if I could drive out to the farm to pick it up. I was told to come on down. I packed Little Dudo in the car and we set out on this long, long drive. When I got to the farm, no one was home. We walked around looking at the chickens for 20 minutes until he finally rolled up. I was so angry. The very last straw came in the final weeks of the CSA. I drove to the farmer's market early with Little Dudo for my pick-up. I checked in and waited for him to assemble my basket. Then I was told I had to wait because he wanted to get the order for the guy who came after me...he had a larger order than I did. Here I am in 90 degree weather holding a baby and I had to take a back seat for an middle aged balding male. I knew at that point I would need another CSA. I was not going to give up on my quest for delicious, organic local food, I was just giving up on that CSA. I tell you this long winded story so you understand how very thankful I am for Fresh Fork Market.
I spoke to a former co-worker who is similar minded about his family's food. He said that he joined Fresh Fork Market and loved it. I immediately went to their website http://wp.freshforkmarket.com/ which had a ton of information about the program, how it started, some of the farmers and vendors they work with, and sample weekly deliveries. I could not believe what I read that they worked with farmers AND vendors. Not only would I be receiving fruits and vegetables, but also meats, cheeses, grains, eggs, syrup, and other special goodies rotated each week. I would hardly ever get the same foods weeks in a row, like the previous CSA. Not everything is organic, but their concern for sustainability and chemical pesticides made me want to join. It was winter time so I emailed and also called to see if I could be added on. A few days later, Trevor called me and said that I was in luck and could be added to the winter session. Trevor emailed me a few times to set up my online profile. I received emails the Tuesday before my bi-Thursday delivery, informing me of what I would expect to receive. Also, FFM has numerous pick-up locations on different days. If I could not make it to the one in my hometown, then I could go to a neighboring one on a different day. If I was on vacation, then I could roll over credit to another week. FFM isn't a CSA. They describe themselves as a "grocery subscription based on a CSA model." I like to think of it as a CSA on steroids.
Fresh Fork Market has far exceeded my expectations and I will never leave this company unless they close up shop. During the winter, the emphasis was on meats, cheeses, and other non-perishable staples. (FFM has vegetarian and vegan options as well.) I also received raspberries and corn frozen from the summer harvest and other veggies that were grown in greenhouses, which Dudo loved. I was so happy with the winter bags that I quickly paid upfront for the large weekly summer subscription. The few weeks wait between the end of winter and the first summer pick-up was torturous. Soon, the month of June approached and then we all received communications from Trevor about the upcoming summer FMM season.
In case you did not pick up from previous posts, we are adding a little chica to our happy family. So, I am not in the mood to go grocery shopping every week for our expanding broad. FMM to the rescue! With weekly pick-ups, I have lots of veggies, fruits, and plenty of proteins to cook delicious and nutritious meals for the fam. There are small packages or large packages for weekly summer pick-up. I opted for the large package. I have froze food to use over the winter and given some goodies away too. Every week is different. I am surprised that I am anxious to read my Tuesday email outlining what will be in my Thursday delivery.
That's another thing that I love about FMM. I feel like I am part of the FMM community. Not only does Trevor send emails about the contents of the weekly pick-ups, but he also sends out newsletters with recipes and hints on how to use the items in the bag. There are also FMM happy hours, farm tours, wine visits, and cooking and instructional classes. Anytime I have a problem, I go on the FMM Facebook page and post my problem or issue. Lots of fellow subscribers come to my aid and offer suggestions. It's also a good place to share recipes that we used with our week's haul.
Unlike other FFM bloggers, I do not take pictures of my FFM bag contents. Why? Because I am too focused on getting that fresh goodness in the fridge or freezer and I always think of it after we have eaten some things. I did make a huge effort to take this pictures from my Thursday pick-up a few weeks back.
This is what I purchased at the truck to add to my order: eggs, yummy Ohio Maple syrup, and Pope's barbecue sauce that he makes exclusively for FFM.
As you can see, it's not difficult to come up with dinner for an entire week, if I could persuade my pregnant self to cook every night of the week. I made pulled pork sandwiches for my husband and a guest and after freezing the leftovers, we ate it two more times.
I hope this post conveys how thankful I am for FFM and all the time Trevor, Robert, and all the FFM crew put in to provide my and several hundred other families wonderful local food each week. They work in the rain, heat, and snow to pick up the food within a 75 mile radius of Cleveland and then stand out there at all the drop off locations for hours. If you have any interest in local food, I implore you to check out FFM. Fresh Fork Market has been one of the best decisions I have made to provide my family with better quality food while support our local economy. Thank you FFM.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The Jewel of Cleveland's west side: The West Side Market - Part I Produce
The jewel of Cleveland's west side!
I have been working on this post for quite some time (almost a year!) Not because I did not want to write about the West Side Market and give up my little secrets, but I knew this post would take so much time sifting through all my wonderful visits to decide what to share with all of you.
I love, love, love the West Side Market. http://www.westsidemarket.org/ It is located in the Ohio City area of Cleveland at the corner of West 25th Street and Lorain Ave. The market is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Parking is located in the back of the market for free or on the street. Upon arriving at the intersection, you cannot miss the 137 foot clock tower that stands at the front of the market.
There are two times of day that I prefer to shop at the Market...before work on Wednesday or Friday or a little after lunch on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. I do not go to the West Side Market on a Saturday. Well, I've gone there before on a Saturday, but I won't go willingly. It is a jam-packed zoo on Saturdays. Some people like that shopping experience...I don't. I prefer the early morning hours on Wednesday or Friday because there is a lot less people and the food that I want is available. Try going to one of the bakery stands at 3 p.m. on a Wednesday, you won't get the bread you want because it was sold out hours prior. Also, each vendor decides whether to open or not. A few of my favorite stands are not open on Mondays. When I go a little after lunch, I usually buy a gyro for lunch. More on that later.
After parking in the back, you enter the hallway of fruit, vegetable, herbs, flowers, and other items. If this is your first time, spend some time looking at all the stalls of what is offered. Some have better looking produce than others. Also, the prices near the front may be a tad bit higher than in the back for certain items. Watch out for pushy vendors. Know what you want and stick to your guns. I have found a few vendors that I trust and will go to religiously. That is another key, find vendors that you can trust. Get recommendations from friends, co-workers, or the internet. Here is a trick that you MUST follow. Pick your own fruit and vegetables. A few times I have been burned when I trusted a vendor to give me 10 apples and when I got home, they put their bruised and rotting apples in my bag. For shame! Also, do not assume because this is a market, that the produce is organic. Most likely it is not. Ask the vendors or look for signs. There is also a vendor on the hallway to the right when you first walk in who tries to stock mainly organic items. Sometimes, vendors will deal too. All you have to do is ask. But, I never ask. I don't like to. I feel like I get a good deal as opposed to the chain supermarket anyway. All in all, I get great produce at a fraction of what it cost at the supermarket. Now for the vendors I trust, Bacha Produce, hands down. Love them. They are nice, considerate, and never give me poor quality items. For fruits, I mainly go to Calabrese Produce. I pick my own stuff though. They are closer to the front, but I have been burned by a few other vendors that I find myself going back to them. The organic, local stand is The Basketeria. http://www.thebasketeria.com/ I like them. Just because I gave my favorites, does not mean you cannot find others. Of course I have not tried all the vendors and I do shop at others that I did not list here. Heed the warnings and you'll have a great time in the produce section.
After going through the produce section, you may think that that is all there is. Why dear friend, that could not be farther from the truth. Head to one of the doors on the right hand side between vendor stands to enter the main Market.
Because of the amount of information, I'm splitting this post in two. I'll be posting about the inside of the Market soon.
I have been working on this post for quite some time (almost a year!) Not because I did not want to write about the West Side Market and give up my little secrets, but I knew this post would take so much time sifting through all my wonderful visits to decide what to share with all of you.
I love, love, love the West Side Market. http://www.westsidemarket.org/ It is located in the Ohio City area of Cleveland at the corner of West 25th Street and Lorain Ave. The market is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Parking is located in the back of the market for free or on the street. Upon arriving at the intersection, you cannot miss the 137 foot clock tower that stands at the front of the market.There are two times of day that I prefer to shop at the Market...before work on Wednesday or Friday or a little after lunch on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. I do not go to the West Side Market on a Saturday. Well, I've gone there before on a Saturday, but I won't go willingly. It is a jam-packed zoo on Saturdays. Some people like that shopping experience...I don't. I prefer the early morning hours on Wednesday or Friday because there is a lot less people and the food that I want is available. Try going to one of the bakery stands at 3 p.m. on a Wednesday, you won't get the bread you want because it was sold out hours prior. Also, each vendor decides whether to open or not. A few of my favorite stands are not open on Mondays. When I go a little after lunch, I usually buy a gyro for lunch. More on that later.
After parking in the back, you enter the hallway of fruit, vegetable, herbs, flowers, and other items. If this is your first time, spend some time looking at all the stalls of what is offered. Some have better looking produce than others. Also, the prices near the front may be a tad bit higher than in the back for certain items. Watch out for pushy vendors. Know what you want and stick to your guns. I have found a few vendors that I trust and will go to religiously. That is another key, find vendors that you can trust. Get recommendations from friends, co-workers, or the internet. Here is a trick that you MUST follow. Pick your own fruit and vegetables. A few times I have been burned when I trusted a vendor to give me 10 apples and when I got home, they put their bruised and rotting apples in my bag. For shame! Also, do not assume because this is a market, that the produce is organic. Most likely it is not. Ask the vendors or look for signs. There is also a vendor on the hallway to the right when you first walk in who tries to stock mainly organic items. Sometimes, vendors will deal too. All you have to do is ask. But, I never ask. I don't like to. I feel like I get a good deal as opposed to the chain supermarket anyway. All in all, I get great produce at a fraction of what it cost at the supermarket. Now for the vendors I trust, Bacha Produce, hands down. Love them. They are nice, considerate, and never give me poor quality items. For fruits, I mainly go to Calabrese Produce. I pick my own stuff though. They are closer to the front, but I have been burned by a few other vendors that I find myself going back to them. The organic, local stand is The Basketeria. http://www.thebasketeria.com/ I like them. Just because I gave my favorites, does not mean you cannot find others. Of course I have not tried all the vendors and I do shop at others that I did not list here. Heed the warnings and you'll have a great time in the produce section. After going through the produce section, you may think that that is all there is. Why dear friend, that could not be farther from the truth. Head to one of the doors on the right hand side between vendor stands to enter the main Market.
Because of the amount of information, I'm splitting this post in two. I'll be posting about the inside of the Market soon.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Peace, Love, and Little Donuts in CLE
Peace, Love, and Little Donuts recently opened in the Kamm's Corner area of Westpark in Cleveland. Even though I am not a fan of cake, I do get happy when I am offered a yummy donut. Since I haven't been feeling myself for the last few weeks, I decided to stop and check out the donut shop that is located next to Sherwin-Williams. (By the way, we will only buy Sherwin-Williams, Cleveland's own, paint company.)
Even though "Little Donuts" is on the front of the building, I was not prepared for how small the donuts were. I think they are a good size, because I do not need a gigantic donut. There are three type of donuts you can order. The sugar kind: powder sugar, cinnamon sugar, etc. The frosted kind: maple, chocolate, strawberry, raspberry, lemon, etc. And then they have frosted with toppings: I saw maple bacon, a chocolate caramel cheesecake, oreos, coconut, etc., etc., etc. There were a ton of different varieties. I chose to a sampler pack 6 donuts, 2 of each kind, for $5. I also ordered a small decaf coffee and a bottle of milk. The whole bill was $8.20 with tax. The coffee was delicious. I love decaf coffee. (I cut back to decaf years ago for health reasons.) This stuff was good. I may go back just for a cup of coffee some morning.
The donuts I chose were cinnamon sugar, traditional power, frosted maple, frosted strawberry, the maple bacon, and the chocolate caramel cheesecake. I brought them back to the office and asked Jackie Stripes to try them with me. He had the maple bacon, cinnamon sugar, and strawberry frosted. He loved each of them. Jackie really liked that the donuts had a crispy outside, but a soft inside. I had the cheesecake and maple frosted. To me, they were okay. The cheesecake one was bland and the maple frosted was maple frosted. I guess for the size and the fact that they are $1 a piece, I was expecting a little more. All in all, I will go back to Peace, Love, and Little Donuts. I may stop in and pick up a 6 pack for a friend or associate...but I will definitely go back for some coffee.
Even though "Little Donuts" is on the front of the building, I was not prepared for how small the donuts were. I think they are a good size, because I do not need a gigantic donut. There are three type of donuts you can order. The sugar kind: powder sugar, cinnamon sugar, etc. The frosted kind: maple, chocolate, strawberry, raspberry, lemon, etc. And then they have frosted with toppings: I saw maple bacon, a chocolate caramel cheesecake, oreos, coconut, etc., etc., etc. There were a ton of different varieties. I chose to a sampler pack 6 donuts, 2 of each kind, for $5. I also ordered a small decaf coffee and a bottle of milk. The whole bill was $8.20 with tax. The coffee was delicious. I love decaf coffee. (I cut back to decaf years ago for health reasons.) This stuff was good. I may go back just for a cup of coffee some morning.
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| Don't let this pic deceive you, the donuts are not huge. I am sitting in my car with it on my lap between me and the steering wheel. |
Monday, March 5, 2012
Prayers to Chardon
It has been a very difficult week here in Northeast Ohio. I am sure everyone has heard of the shooting tragedy in Chardon where a disturbed teenager walked into the Chardon High School cafeteria and opened fire on students. Five students were injured, and ultimately, three young teenage boys lost their lives: Danny Parmertor 16 years old, Demetrius Hewlin 16 years old, and Russell King, Jr. 17 years old. At this very early stage, prosecutors claim that this was done at random and the kids were not specifically targeted. This is the most frightening thought of all...if could have happened to anyone, at anytime.
I have been more frightened by this horrible, horrible tragedy than I thought I would be. First, I grew up not far from Chardon. For all intensive purposes, that school is very similar to my Alma mater. Before this, Chardon was known as a quiet town. When I thought of Chardon, I thought of apple farms, snow (because it is the place in CLE that seems to get the most snow), no street lights (it's more rural than suburban), and the cemetery where my mother is buried. Second, now that I have a child of my own, the reality that the Parmertor, Hewlin, and King families have to bury their children is nauseating. One day we are here and in a split second, the apple-of-your-eye child could be violently taken.
This incident has also shown me how powerful Facebook and other social media sites are. Someone I am friends with is also friends with one of those three boys who was killed. She reposted his family member's facebook post about the shooting before I had even heard the news via the News. So when the post came up that he passed away several hours later, the news was more devastating. Someone I knew lost a friend, for no reason. And because of Facebook, I was smack dab in the middle of the family and friends' grief. How will we, small city, Cleveland, Ohio move forward after losing our youth, innocence, and sense of security?
CLE is different. We may hate on our town, our sports teams, weather, and of course Lebron James, but when one is hurting, we all feel it. Immediately, through those same social media sites, groups and forums popped up to help those who survived in Chardon. It provided places for the students to grieve and feel loved. Red and black ribbons are being tied all over Northeast Ohio to show solidarity with Chardon. To let the families know that we are here for them, for whatever they need.
Danny Parmertor's funeral was held this passed Saturday. Days before the funeral, someone was tracking a very controversial "alleged Christian" group that protests and pickets high profile and military funerals to get their message of hate across. In fact, this "group" praises when tragedy strikes. I have absolutely no doubt that these people are sick. I am purposely not giving you their name or their message for two reasons: 1) I am not spreading their hate message and 2) that is exactly what they want, media attention. Anyway, as soon as the word got around on Facebook that this "group" planned to come to Cleveland to picket one of the boys' funerals, Cleveland sprung into action. Thousands of people from all over, came out on Saturday and formed a line around the church and down the street to block the grieving family and friends from having to see this disgusting display of human free will. Others who could not stay dropped off snacks, water, and blankets for those braving the cold weather. Fortunately, they did not show up. And hopefully, they will not show up on Tuesday or Thursday as the Hewlin and King families say goodbye to their loved ones. But the human barricade will be there as well. Here's an article from the News with footage: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/people-create-human-chain-oustide-chardon-school-shooting-funeral-to-stop-church-group-from-protest.
I have no idea where we will go from here. How will this tragedy change CLE and all of us? How will education and the safety of our children be altered? Only time will tell.
My deepest sympathies go out to the Parmertor, Hewlin, and King families along with the two students who survived and have a long road to recovery. We will stick together. We will get through this together. Prayers for Chardon.
I have been more frightened by this horrible, horrible tragedy than I thought I would be. First, I grew up not far from Chardon. For all intensive purposes, that school is very similar to my Alma mater. Before this, Chardon was known as a quiet town. When I thought of Chardon, I thought of apple farms, snow (because it is the place in CLE that seems to get the most snow), no street lights (it's more rural than suburban), and the cemetery where my mother is buried. Second, now that I have a child of my own, the reality that the Parmertor, Hewlin, and King families have to bury their children is nauseating. One day we are here and in a split second, the apple-of-your-eye child could be violently taken.
This incident has also shown me how powerful Facebook and other social media sites are. Someone I am friends with is also friends with one of those three boys who was killed. She reposted his family member's facebook post about the shooting before I had even heard the news via the News. So when the post came up that he passed away several hours later, the news was more devastating. Someone I knew lost a friend, for no reason. And because of Facebook, I was smack dab in the middle of the family and friends' grief. How will we, small city, Cleveland, Ohio move forward after losing our youth, innocence, and sense of security?
CLE is different. We may hate on our town, our sports teams, weather, and of course Lebron James, but when one is hurting, we all feel it. Immediately, through those same social media sites, groups and forums popped up to help those who survived in Chardon. It provided places for the students to grieve and feel loved. Red and black ribbons are being tied all over Northeast Ohio to show solidarity with Chardon. To let the families know that we are here for them, for whatever they need.
Danny Parmertor's funeral was held this passed Saturday. Days before the funeral, someone was tracking a very controversial "alleged Christian" group that protests and pickets high profile and military funerals to get their message of hate across. In fact, this "group" praises when tragedy strikes. I have absolutely no doubt that these people are sick. I am purposely not giving you their name or their message for two reasons: 1) I am not spreading their hate message and 2) that is exactly what they want, media attention. Anyway, as soon as the word got around on Facebook that this "group" planned to come to Cleveland to picket one of the boys' funerals, Cleveland sprung into action. Thousands of people from all over, came out on Saturday and formed a line around the church and down the street to block the grieving family and friends from having to see this disgusting display of human free will. Others who could not stay dropped off snacks, water, and blankets for those braving the cold weather. Fortunately, they did not show up. And hopefully, they will not show up on Tuesday or Thursday as the Hewlin and King families say goodbye to their loved ones. But the human barricade will be there as well. Here's an article from the News with footage: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/people-create-human-chain-oustide-chardon-school-shooting-funeral-to-stop-church-group-from-protest.
I have no idea where we will go from here. How will this tragedy change CLE and all of us? How will education and the safety of our children be altered? Only time will tell.
My deepest sympathies go out to the Parmertor, Hewlin, and King families along with the two students who survived and have a long road to recovery. We will stick together. We will get through this together. Prayers for Chardon.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Ragin Cajun Run - Downtown CLE
Yesterday was Mardi Gras...a.k.a. Fat Tuesday. I remember several years ago, a group of us went out after work to a bar to have a beer or two to salute our last day of chocolate, beer, pastries, or (insert what you are giving up for Lent here). Those years are well behind me now. However, I did find a fun way to celebrate Fat Tuesday: The Ragin Cajun Run. http://www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/events/mardigras.asp
The kickball girls and I decided to run the Ragin Cajun Run which is a team event. We partnered up and met at the Blind Pig Bar on West 6th Street. The organizers let us out one group at a time and handed us a card with five pit-stops. We were free to run the streets, alleys, and grassy knolls of downtown Cleveland to get to each destination. First, we headed to the Free Stamp next to City Hall on Lakeside Ave. After we picked up some beads, we then ran to Pacer's Bar on East 12th Street that is attached to the Embassy Suites. There we received a toy trumpet to carry with us. On to the next destination of The Clevelander on East 9th Street where we had to wait in line for a Hurricane drink and glass. I took the glass sans drink. There is no requirement that you drink. I heard the drink tasted like cough syrup anyway. The last place before the finish line was the House of Blues. This was a fun location. I had never been in the House of Blues (which I will now make a better effort to stop at soon). We ran in through the side door, past all the people eating dinner, and to a room where one partner had to drink a 1/2 cup of beer and the other partner had to blow up an inflatable saxophone. Again, we tossed most of the beer. On to the home stretch, we ran straight through Public Square and parking lots back to the Blind Pig. Even though we did not come in first place, we had a fantastic time running through the streets of Cleveland. Here's our victory picture:
Not only are 5K plentiful in CLE, but I like that there is a variety that include scavenger hunts and different charities. We will probably do this again next year if we do not have any time conflicts. A 5K is a good way to get some exercise and see the City at night. And for you wieners that complain about safety, I felt completely safe at all times running through Cleveland. It's no different than any other city. We just have more complainers. Get out and run because you'll be see the VBB Girls again this running season.
The kickball girls and I decided to run the Ragin Cajun Run which is a team event. We partnered up and met at the Blind Pig Bar on West 6th Street. The organizers let us out one group at a time and handed us a card with five pit-stops. We were free to run the streets, alleys, and grassy knolls of downtown Cleveland to get to each destination. First, we headed to the Free Stamp next to City Hall on Lakeside Ave. After we picked up some beads, we then ran to Pacer's Bar on East 12th Street that is attached to the Embassy Suites. There we received a toy trumpet to carry with us. On to the next destination of The Clevelander on East 9th Street where we had to wait in line for a Hurricane drink and glass. I took the glass sans drink. There is no requirement that you drink. I heard the drink tasted like cough syrup anyway. The last place before the finish line was the House of Blues. This was a fun location. I had never been in the House of Blues (which I will now make a better effort to stop at soon). We ran in through the side door, past all the people eating dinner, and to a room where one partner had to drink a 1/2 cup of beer and the other partner had to blow up an inflatable saxophone. Again, we tossed most of the beer. On to the home stretch, we ran straight through Public Square and parking lots back to the Blind Pig. Even though we did not come in first place, we had a fantastic time running through the streets of Cleveland. Here's our victory picture:
Not only are 5K plentiful in CLE, but I like that there is a variety that include scavenger hunts and different charities. We will probably do this again next year if we do not have any time conflicts. A 5K is a good way to get some exercise and see the City at night. And for you wieners that complain about safety, I felt completely safe at all times running through Cleveland. It's no different than any other city. We just have more complainers. Get out and run because you'll be see the VBB Girls again this running season.
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