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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Original Asian's Otani Japanese Restaurant

Several years ago I gave up sushi.  I loved sushi...until that ill-fated day (emphasis on the "ill") when I had lunch at a popular, trendy sushi joint in downtown Cleveland.  I took my left over salmon Philadelphia cream cheese rolls with me to the office.  I ate them two hours later.  By 8 p.m. that evening, I had never been so sick in all my life.  This is coming from someone who partied pretty hard at good old UD and spent her share sleeping on the bathroom floor after nights of debauchery.  No more, sushi.  No more.  I swore off the stuff for good.

Except if you have a good friend that owns and operates a Japanese restaurant that also serves delicious sushi.  I actually tried to avoid sushi even as The Original Asian and I would have dinner at Otani's.  Finally, one day The Original Asian made me try a new sushi concoction.  I was scared.  My palms were sweaty and my breathing was shallow.  The thought of exactly 24 hours of barfness was at the forefront of my mind.  But, The Original Asian is not just any acquaintance or so-so friend.  As much pain and grief as I cause him, he is one of my favorite people on this planet and I would do just about anything for him.  (Side Note: I will absolutely deny this to his face and tell him that obviously he cannot read because why would a bad Mo' Fo' such as myself ever admit that I care about someone other than Dudo.  That pretty much sums up our friendship over the last 17 years...  Really?  We have been torturing each other on and off for about 17 years???)  But...he also knows that if I do not like something or it sucks, I will tell it to his face.  Criticism comes in many forms and ours usually comes as a stinging slap to the face and then the slapper buys the slappee a beer.

The Original Asian making sushi. All rights reserved JMB.

Low and behold, the sushi was fantastic.  The fish was fresh and light.  I could taste the other flavor components without it being masked by sauce.  Once again, I am a sushi lover.  But, I will only eat sushi at Otani's because I know it will be fresh.

Otani Japanese Restaurant is located at 1625 Golden Gate Plaza in Mayfield Heights. http://www.otanicleveland.com/%20 One side of the restaurant is hibachi with the cooktop tables and the chefs who cook your food right at the table with a show of flaming onion towers.  You can also sit at the restaurant side with regular tables and a sushi bar.  I opt for the sushi bar side even if I order the hibachi.  I also had my birthday dinner there last year with my family.  Not only do we get attentive service, but we all find something we like on the menu.  My sister-in-law and I like the sushi.  My dad and The Husband like hibachi.  Everyone likes the beer and wine selections.  It's the only place where we can all try Asian beers that we would never seek out and purchase otherwise.  I also use The Original Asian's catering company for parties, such as my brother's wedding shower and Dudo's baptism.  The food is affordable and not only is it excellent, but everyone raves about the food afterwards.  They cannot believe that even though The Original Asian owns a Japanese Restaurant, the catered food is Italian, American, etc.  You ask for it, Chef Yee can make it. I am a nut about the food that I serve at my parties and I have been known to miss my own party just to make sure the food is right.  Using the catering company, I have an excellent party that everyone talks about without having to lift a finger in the food department.

Now sometimes people ask me about my friend, where I like to get sushi, or about one of The Original Asian's sushi or cocktail classes.  So when the topic shifts to Otani's, I thoroughly enjoy people telling me that they already frequent Otani's or that they went for a special occasion and loved it.  It makes me smile when almost all those people tell me how The Original Asian did something to make their dinner even better.  The former intern Jackie Stripes still raves about his interaction with The Original Asian at Otani's even though it happened 6 years ago, well before Stripes and I ever met.  The Original Asian makes you feel welcomed and part of the family when you dine at Otani.

Heinz and I at Otani's Halloween party 2009.  All rights reserved JMB.

Now the Original Asian does have a name, it is Heinz Yee.  You can find his website and blog here: http://www.chefheinzyee.com/index.html  I check it from time to time to see what is in his head or what is ticking him off that day.  If you have a hankering for fresh sushi and a good time, I urge you to make the visit to Otani's.  There is a second location that was just renovated and expanded in Hudson, 180 Streetsboro St., Unit 11.  Hey, you might even catch up with me having some sushi and a Sapporo.

Crocker Park, The Family Destination

Some people may think that Crocker Park in Westlake is only an outdoor mall.  I was one of those people until last year.

Before I realized that Crocker Park was much more than just a retail location, I shopped at the Gap, Dick's Sporting Goods, H&M, and my favorite store, Trader Joe's.  Before Dudo came along, the Husband and I would go to movies and eat at Bruegger's Bagels (technically the Promenade, but it's close enough to all be one establishment.)  Now Crocker Park has expanded and become a family destination.

Before our recent home purchase, we lived in an apartment.  Yes, Me, the Husband, Dudo, and our dog Payton all lived in a 1100 sq ft. apartment on the west side of Cleveland.  I wanted to try out the longer commute before committing to a permanent residence.  The Husband and I lived in Westlake when I was in law school.  Crocker Park was just being built when we lived there.  Now, it is so much more than I ever could have imagined.

It started on the 4th of July.  The Husband's wonderful aunt and uncle live in Westlake and invited us to watch the fireworks at Crocker Park.  I instinctly parked the car at a building across the street and walked into the square.  There were thousands of people packed in that square listening to the Orchestra before the fireworks.  It was pretty neat to see all those people and to listen to patriotic music.  Then, the fireworks started...right over our heads!  They set off the display from the rooftop of the buildings.  I grabbed Dudo and ran back out toward our car.  We sat in the lawn watching the rest of the fireworks without incident.  Dudo was a little freaked out though.  How was I supposed to know that they would set off the fireworks right over my 1 year old's head?  I'm sure he'll get over it next year.  The fireworks were beautiful though.

Now eastsiders may be thinking, "Well, is Crocker Park just like Legacy Village?"  To me at least, the answer is no.  I have been to Legacy Village a handful of times and each time I felt that I needed to drive to a place I wanted to shop and then walk in the middle a bit.  The restaurants were on the outskirts.  At Crocker Park, I ditch my car in a parking garage and walk it.  The restaurants are mixed right in with the shopping establishments.  I also like the variety: B-Spot (yes, I am a Michael Symon junkie), Dave's Cosmic Subs, Cheesecake Factory, Champps, Bravo, Liquid Planet, Casa Vella Pizza, Aladdin's Eatery, Karl's Corned Beef, and many others.

Chef Michael Symon, Dudo, and I at the B-Spot Westlake opening day 2011.  All rights  reserved JMB.

Shops continually spring up in Crocker Park as well.  Along with the few I previously listed, small boutiques like Marcell and Francesca's Collections moved in along with Ann Taylor Loft, Danny Vegh's, Apple, Learning Express Toys, Barnes and Noble, and tons others.

This summer, Dudo and I had to kill a few hours before the Husband came home.  I took him to Crocker Park to walk around for a bit.  To my surprise, I see a fountain with jumping water for children to play in.  The sign said it was sponsored by Kalahari Water Park Resort.  I let Dudo run around in the foutain and have some fun.  Several other kids were permitted to get soaked right along with Dudo.

 
All rights reserved JMB 2012.  Do not use without permission.

Crocker Park was quite busy this holiday season. It was beautifully decorated with lights, decorations, and a 50 foot tree. The tree lighting ceremony was an entire family affair. A rock band entertained the thousands of people before Santa took center stage and flipped the switch on the Holiday Season. Then there were fireworks to top off the evening.

Crocker Park continues the fun year round with many events such as Casino Nights, Art Fests, a weekly farmer's market in the summer.  Check the events section of http://www.crockerpark.com/.  To learn more about the farmer's market that occurs from April to November, check out this link http://www.northunionfarmersmarket.org/markets/crocker.html. 

There's even an urban gardening program on a rooftop and they are looking for people to get involved.

I look forward to the many family gatherings, lunch, dinners, and of course super bargains I'll get at Crocker Park in the years to come.

As 2011 comes to an end, 100 things I am thankful for

It is not an easy feat to come up with 100 things I am thankful for.  Here's my list and they are NOT ranked in order:

1.  Dudo
2.  World wide distribution of Guinness
3.  Gap jeans that make me look skinny
4.  Fresh Fork Market
5.  My Pontiac Vibe
6.  Moell's Auto Repair
7.  My cloche hat and a pair of sunglasses
8.  My company on my late nights out
9.  Online shopping
10. Baby Cheapskate on Facebook
11. Hinkai
12. The ocean
13. Cigars (specifically Cohibas)
14. Officer Whitehair
15. Mitchell's Ice Cream
16. Fall leaves and pumpkins
17. The Get-Go Station on my way to work
18. Bullet proof vests
19. Lou Malnati's The "Lou"
20. Otani's sushi
21. skirt suits
22. Trader Joe's
23. courage
24. Pearl Jam
25. WVIZ PBS
26. Lilly Handmade Chocolates
27. Best boss ever
28. Sunnyside pizza from Bar Cento
29. My brother Bryan and my sister-in-law Kandra
30. Upromise and Ohio 529 accounts
31. Christmas clearance sales
32. Finally buying a house
33. Dr. Brian and Gateway Animal Clinic
34. Malley's Chocolates
35. A good baby daddy ;-) and a good mate
36. retailmenot.com
37. Moving Ahead Solutions moving company (one of the best finds of the year!)
38. God
39. My guardian angel who I keep very busy
40. Southwest Airlines
41. Memories of Washington D.C. trips
42. West Side Market
43. Ergo baby carrier
44. My sissy
45. text messaging
46. Saigon Cafe on East 4th Street
47. Danny's Deli
48. Sharing buried feelings
49. Gino's Shoe Repair
50. Kohls' sales stacked with coupons
51. DV Christmas party
52. My high heel knee high boots in black and brown
53. Hartzler Family Dairy and Snowville Creamery
54. Dodge Charger rentals
55. Beabe cooker
56. covered attached parking
57. Clients who are respectful and appreciative
58. Bick, Flick, Rich, and a handful of caps
59. Data plan on my cell phone
60. My imagination
61. Yearly cookie and ornament exchange
62. Memories of my mom
63. Aunt Tina and Uncle Jim
64. Sherwin-Williams paint
65. My sarcastic nasty sense of humor
66. Long coffee breaks at the CC
67. Curious George
68. Rodes (for my freedom and for booze)
69. SouthLAnd
70. My bitchy attitude
71. Menage a Trois Merlot
72. Dudo's laugh when I tickle torture him
73. The Cleveland Indians
74. True Blood
75. League Park
76. baby resales
77. Elizabeth Videc Photographer
78. Jackie Stripes and his willingness to join me anytime I ask
79. That we are employed
80. Being a Scorpio
81. Adam, Judie, Jenn dinners
82. Baby Signing Time
83. ARF's Monster Mutt Dash
84. Payton dog
85. Candy Cane Joe Joe's
86. The truth (is there such a thing?)
87. Sonicare Toothbrush
88. SB 5 smackdown
89. Facebook to keep in contact with friends near and far
90. Community, the best comedy on TV
91. My ipod (and hopefully Apple sends my replacement soon)
92. Michael Symon
93. My colleagues on a long list of federal cases
94. Squeeze packets of baby food
95. Bittersweet Symphony
96. Sokolowski's
97. Kielbasi and sauerkraut
98. yellow mustard
99. Others' good judgment when I drink mine away
100. The pursuit to find what's missing

Happy New Year everyone!  Make 2012 the best yet!

Chocolate, Chocolate, Amazing Cleveland Chocolate

I LOVE chocolate.  I cannot stress this enough.  If you want to get me a present for any holiday, occasion, or just to say "thinking of you, thanking you, or just to say hi" then chocolate is the gift to give me.  My intern, Jackie Stripes, took me to a little place called Lilly Handmade Chocolate in Tremont several months back.  I am in love with chocolate all over again.  I have been there several times, but I will tell you about one particular visit.

 All rights reserved JMB 2011.  A small visual of JS's tie.

On Friday afternoon in celebration of Cleveland Beer Week, Jackie Stripes and I went to PUMPKIN A’ PALOOZA at Lilly Handmade Chocolates located at 761 Starkweather Ave. in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland.  Owners Amanda & Joshua Montague hand made four of their chocolate creations to pair with four pumpkin beers.  The chocolates were phenomenal and the beers were great to taste side by side.  As I have mentioned previously, I love pumpkin beer, but having the opportunity to sample them without slugging down a whole bottle is priceless.  I did find my favorite pumpkin beer of the season at Lilly's: Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale.  Unfortunately, it was in short supply and I could not purchase an additional bottle to take home.


What? what? what? Do you ask?  Yes, Lilly also sells different fine craft beers and wines.  I try to stick with just chocolates since that's what makes my heart sing.  But the combo of chocolates and alcoholic beverages makes a man's gift giving job a lot easier, don't you think?

All rights reserved JMB 2011.

Lilly Handmade Chocolates is amazing.  Their little pieces of chocolates are a creation to see and taste.  Each is a combination of a different shape, color, and pattern.  Some of my favorites include: After Midnight (bitter stout and dark chocolate), Cinnabunny (Vietnamese cinnamon, ground ginger, clover honey, dark chocolate), and Shweetie Pie (vanilla bean butter caramel, roasted almonds, white chocolate).  I am so glad I do not live in Tremont, because I would be there all the time.  I plan to buy my mother-in-law a small sampler for Christmas...just so I can be justified buying one for myself!