Thursday, March 31, 2011

Tribe Talk- OPENING DAY!


Hello Clevelanders, I'm sure you are as excited I am for The Cleveland Indians Opening Day at Progressive Field. I live for days when Downtown Cleveland is bustling with excitement and crowds, it feels so alive (and I hope one day, EVERY day can be that much fun!) If you are going to the game I'd love to hear from you in our comments section. I am NOT going to the game, but will be working the day away- listening to the game on the radio. So I would like to ask our loyal readers (and loyal Tribe fans) who are attending the game to share their tips for game day, secrets, and favorite memories of the Tribe. Dress warm, be safe, and celebrate- summer is on its way. Eat a stadium hot dog for me!

My favorite Tribe memory: Getting Kenny Lofton's autograph post game one night at The Jake.

New Residents at A Downtown Penthouse

We normally don't like to brag about our sales on Cleveland City Living, however any news that is good news for Downtown Cleveland, I like to share. This good news comes in the form of sexy downtown living. The Pointe at Gateway Penthouse has a new owner and the sale just closed this week. Congratulations to the new owner, and being apart of growing this great city by the lake. Enjoy your luxurious new digs!



More info on The Pointe at Gateway:

The fabulous penthouse suite at the Pointe at Gateway has proud new owners who are looking forward to making this their weekend home. The buyers enjoy the vibrant downtown lifestyle and frequent the nearby venues including Playhouse Square, Progressive Field, The "Q", and East Fourth Street on weekends, which made this the ultimate second home for them. As Mother Nature warms up our city, the new owners are thrilled to utilize the roof deck positioned nine stories high, overlooking the downtown Cleveland skyline. The Pointe at Gateway still has some luxurious condominiums remaining which feature high-end finishes and tax abatements.

Sold Price: $249,900
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Square Feet: 1205

Monday, March 28, 2011

Lots of new business happening around Gordon Square

The already-bustling Gordon Square Arts District is getting a little busier with the addition of three new retail businesses.

Wednesday marked the official opening of Sweet Moses, a soda fountain and treat shop at 6800 Detroit Avenue, one block west of the Gordon Square Arcade.

The owner is Jeff Moreau, who's offering a turn-of-the-century soda shop experience. Sweet Moses serves homemade ice cream dishes and handmade confections. Coming soon will be peanut butter sandwiches that can be topped with options including bacon, marshmallow cream, Nutella, sliced bananas and potato chips.

In addition, two women's boutiques soon will open at the West 65th Street and Detroit Avenue intersection.

One of the businesses, Turnstyle, will sell a mix of vintage and contemporary items. The other business comes from “Project Runway” fashion designer Valerie Mayen, who is creating a “pop-up” store of her fashions next to the Capitol Theatre on West 65th Street.

(Article courtesy of Crain's Cleveland)

Cleveland, West Side Market tapped to host International Public Markets Conference in 2012

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland has edged out competitors -- including London and Toronto -- to host an international conference focused on public markets in 2012.

The Project for Public Spaces, a nonprofit group based in New York, will announce today that it has tapped Cleveland as the host city for several days of discussions, events and tours.


The conference promises national and global attention for Cleveland's growing local food scene and the West Side Market, which will celebrate its 100th birthday late next year.

Representatives of the city, the Project for Public Spaces and local nonprofits will hold a news conference at the West Side Market at 1:30 p.m. They are considering several fall weekends, most likely in late September of next year, for the event.

The eighth International Public Markets Conference could occur shortly before or after Mayor Frank Jackson's annual sustainability conference, intended to focus on local food in 2012, and would be a prelude to the biggest of the West Side Market's birthday events.

Stephen Davies, senior vice president with the Project for Public Spaces, lauded Cleveland's pitch as the best of 20-something applications from potential host cities. The West Side Market and its upcoming centennial were key factors in helping Cleveland beat out finalists Seattle; Charleston, S.C.; along with Toronto and London.

"It was huge," Davies said. "It's one of the most stunning indoor public markets in the country, and there are not many left in the United States. There are some 150 of them, and Cleveland's historically is probably the grandest of them all."

David Gilbert, president of Positively Cleveland, the region's convention and visitors bureau, said the conference, which attracts roughly 300 people, may not be large in size "but it is large in importance."

"When you have conferences like this that have a real confluence with initiatives that our community is looking to highlight, that really helps," he said.

Spurred by the centennial, Mayor Jackson assembled a commission last spring to consider opportunities and potential improvements for the city-owned market building, market operations and the surrounding neighborhood. The effort, led by the city and Ohio City Near West Development Corp., also includes planning for events leading up to the market's birthday.

Ken Silliman, the mayor's chief of staff, said a report outlining recommendations for the market could be finished in late March or early April.

The city already plans to tackle roughly $400,000 in improvements to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems at the market by early 2012.

"Cleveland is regaining the momentum it had in the mid-90s as a city on the move," Silliman said. "And now, as then, public-private partnerships play a major role in enabling that to happen. ... Leaders in that commission effort are largely responsible for getting this conference here."

Local businesses, nonprofit groups and foundations have committed more than $70,000 in cash and non-cash donations to support the public markets conference. A dozen organizations, ranging from Charter One bank to the MetroHealth System, wrote letters of support to the Project for Public Spaces and pledged assistance.

The city has offered to provide advertising and greeters at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and to open up the West Side Market for tours and conference events.

"As of right now, there's not any money from the city," said Eric Wobser, executive director of the Ohio City Near West neighborhood nonprofit group. "We'd like to keep it that way."

Occurring every few years, the public markets conference attracts market operators, planners, architects and food-policy enthusiasts from the United States and more than a dozen other countries. Past host cities include New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

In Cleveland, participants will stay at a downtown hotel, attend seminars and take daylong tours that could include trips to farmers markets, Amish country, local orchards, farms, dairies and urban gardens.

City Councilman Joe Cimperman, whose ward includes downtown and the Ohio City neighborhood, expects the conference to spotlight the growth of Cleveland's local-food economy and to add momentum to the Market District, the area surrounding the West Side Market. During the last year, a handful of restaurants, stores and small businesses have opened their doors or reserved spaces in the neighborhood, bringing bustle back to empty storefronts.

"Cleveland is in the top echelon of local-food cities," Cimperman said. "This is going to let people know why. The fact that the market will be the microphone to tell this story is really great."

Article Courtesy of Michelle Jarboe and The Cleveland Plain Dealer

Thursday, March 24, 2011

FOODIE ALERT! Food Trucks Assembly in Tremont!


Even though the weather man calls for temps in the 30's this weekend, a sure sign of Spring in Cleveland is the siting of a food truck. This Sunday afternoon from 11-3pm in Tremont's Lincoln Park around 10 of Cleveland's latest AND greatest food truck will be setting up shop for us all to have a taste. I'm envisioning a food crawl of sorts, or just what the world most beautiful traffic jam would look like. :)

Expect Dim and Dem Sum, Umami Moto, Oh! Babycakes and more! Hope to see you Sunday! If you would like more info check out the Facebook invite for The C-Town Chow Down.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Sweet Moses! Grand Opening

With great pleasure I am proud to announce that Sweet Moses, a soda shoppe in theDetroit Shoreway will be opening its doors to serve Clevelanders with a sweet tooth this Saturday afternoon.

From noon to 3:00pm diners can delight in a variety of ice cream sundae options, custom blended sodas, and specialty peanut butter sandwiches. Located on Detroit Avenue and West 68th Street, this charming throwback to the days of the soda shoppe are a welcoming addition to the already bustling Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. I for one am very excited to live within walking distance and plan to make a ritual of visiting the shop for a sundae on warm summer nights! Check out all they have to offer on their website Sweet Moses Treats

Monday, March 21, 2011

The Cleveland International Film Festival Presents: Aardvark


Many Clevelanders are looking forward to the 35th Annual Cleveland International Film Festival this week, myself included. I'm curious to hear how you all plan on viewing films- are you buying tickets individually, in a six pack, or are you splurging for a pass? What films are you intending on seeing? I haven't broken down my full film list yet, but one movie I will definitely be seeing is Aardvark.

Aardvark is a film that is written and directed by native Clevelander, Kitao Sukurai. The film in its entirety is filmed in Cleveland and is fully casted by Clevelanders. So if you are looking to see one film, I would say this has to be it. It will fulfill any cultural and city pride requirements you may be looking for. The story itself is based on fact and one of true perseverance, and the only narrative film to star a blind man to date. Directly from the press release is a brief synopsis:

AARDVARK is the first narrative film to star a person blind since birth. The idea for the film began when Kitao Sakurai – now living in New York – visited the Evolution Jiu-Jitsu academy (evolutionjj.com) in Cleveland Heights, run by childhood friend Darren Branch. There, Sakurai met Larry Lewis Jr., a congenitally blind man who was training Jiu-Jitsu at Darren’s academy. Inspired by Larry’s use of Jiu-Jitsu to overcome his dark and troubled past, Kitao asked Larry and Darren to act out their lives – including the origin of their friendship – in front of the camera. What makes AARDVARK unique is where the movie goes from there: beginning as a documentary reenactment, AARDVARK slowly transforms into an entirely fictional neo-noir thriller that follows Larry as he embarks on a dark quest for vengeance. Aardvark blurs the lines between documentary and fiction in a startling and entirely unexpected way.

The Cleveland premiere of AARDVARK will take place at 8:30pm on Friday, March 25th. www.clevelandfilm.org I look forward to seeing you all there. *Tickets are on standby but will be available for purchase at the theater before the show.

Full disclosure- I am a friend of the Director.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Cleveland's Black and White Ball


Mad About Cleveland is the theme for this year's Cleveland Black and White Ball. The Black and White Ball is an annual event put on by The Foundation for Community Betterment to raise money for local Clevelanders in need. Tickets for the event are on sale for $95 in advance or $100 at the door. The event takes place Saturday, March 26th; there will be an open bar, martini bar, heavy appetizers, and live music. Dressing for the theme is encouraged. Buy tickets to Mad About Cleveland here.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

St. Patrick's Day Festivities


Did you know the Cleveland St Patty's Day Parade has an average of 300,000 attendees? Last year 15,000 people alone were IN the parade! I for one am very excited for the events tomorrow. Working only until noon, our office is located right off of West 6th and we will be able to catch the parade at 1:00 and enjoy the day. The weather men are saying low 60's and sunny and I have a feeling its going to be a great turn out. Where are you planning on celebrating the holiday? I know I will be stopping by The Clevelander and Panini's on West 6th for sure. House of Blues opens at 6 am, and Dim and Dem Sum will be on Public Square from 10-2pm. Leave us a comment and tell us where you will be tomorrow!

The 4th Coast Pop Up Market is Back!


If you are a regular reader of this blog you may remember the last time I posted about The 4th Coast Pop Up Market. I stopped by with a great group of friends to browse the selections from local businesses, appreciate some art, and have a drink. The event was great, there was even a visit from one of Cleveland's food trucks. So I am happy to share that the event is back THIS FRIDAY. Below are the details from their press release:
1300 THIRD GALLERY at 78th Street Studios presents the 4TH COAST POP UP MARKET, sponsored by Lu-Owl Vintage & Superelectric Press.

The 4th Coast Pop Up Market is a collective of local designers and artists and features limited edition pieces from emerging Cleveland businesses.

Additionally, 1300 Third Gallery will be holding the closing reception for the artwork of: Jeffrey Sierputowski, Robby Staebler, Benjamin Haehn, and Nathaniel Murray.

Stop by during 78th Street Studios Third Friday event on Friday, March 18, 2011 from 5 pm to 11 pm.

There will also be music provided by DJ Tanner.

1300 THIRD GALLERY
78th Street Studio Building
1300 West 78th Street, Suite 3C
Cleveland, OH 44102

Friday, March 11, 2011

The Lenten Season is here, which means one thing- FISH FRY

Whether you celebrate Lent or not, the season is a great excuse to get out into the community for a fish fry. Many of them are huge traditions in the Cleveland community. Stop by one for a great meal, a great deal, and a donation. Kill three birds with one stone..yadda yadda. Plus you have a few Fridays to get it organized. Cleveland.com did a great job outlining the fish fry events. Here is the review of fish fry events around Cleveland.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Scott Phillips of Cleveland City Living & Keller Williams featured on WKYC


Maureen Kyle, The Consumer Reporter for WKYC, came by the office to interview Scott and get tips on retaining home values in case of a double dip recession. While we *really* hope that doesn't happen, the tips are worthwhile to anyone looking to sell a home. Watch the video on home upgrades here.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Cleveland Mayor Jackson expresses 'sense of urgency' in State of the City speech

By JAY MILLER

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson is who he is, a modest man who keeps his long-term goals always in sight.

So, he opened his State of the City speech today by saying he wanted to share his “sense of urgency” about a group of issues he has emphasized during his time in office: efforts to operate more efficiently and save money, to develop collaborative programs with other area communities and to transform Cleveland into a 21st century, 24-hour city built around its waterfront.

Mayor Jackson also concluded his 40-minute speech in front of an audience at Public Auditorium of nearly 1,000 business and civic leaders, students and senior citizens — and Gov. John Kasich — by repeating a challenge to civic leaders to work harder to improve the education of the region's children.

But he also had the opportunity to take a little credit and receive applause for two milestones for the city's public safety forces. First, he reported that Cleveland had only five fire fatalities in 2010, the fewest in 112 years. Then he said the city in 2010 recorded the fewest number of homicides in 40 years, though, he added, “Even one is too many.”

Responding to a rising level of complaints, he conceded that the city water department has “failed to provide the quality customer service our customers deserve.”

But mostly he rattled off examples of the way the city, developers and businesses are transforming the city, from the Flats East Bank project to the new convention center/medical mart and the development of 176 urban gardens. He said the gardens represent the making of a local food industry that can play a growing role in filling grocery shelves and restaurant menus.

“Today, the city of Cleveland is in a state of constant restructuring of operations,” he said.

But, he said, the changes in the way the city and its industries operate must be matched by an effort to transform the way children are educated.

“This community must demonstrate the same level of commitment, passion and desire to succeed for education,” Mayor Jackson said. “The time to do it is now, in this time of rapid change.”

(Article Courtesy of Crain's Cleveland)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Phoenix Coffee & Constantino's Present Phoenix After Dark

This Friday, March 4th, join Phoenix Coffee and Constantino's Market for their 2nd Phoenix After Dark event. Pick up a specialty bottle of Cab highlighted for the event from the market and walk over to Phoenix were for $8 in advance or $10 at the door you receive chocolates and other treats to pair with your wine. The price also includes a corking fee and a glass. The event runs from 6:30-9:30.

To purchase tickets to Phoenix After Dark click here.


From Phoenix Coffee:
Tasteful, decadent, sophisticated. Phoenix Coffee realizes there is a desire for an evening alternative downtown filled with quiet elegance and European ambience, like one might find in the cafes of Paris or Vienna. Phoenix After Dark is the perfect spot for a date, a group outing, or a way to enjoy time away from home alone without having to fight the crowds at a loud bar or booming nightclub. Enjoy your own selection of wine or beer, while the bustling daytime Phoenix neighborhood coffeehouse ambience is transformed into candlelit tables and soft background music. A perfect way to unwind after a long week, cap off the evening after dinner out on the town, or as a way to jumpstart the weekend before a theater show or concert. Cleveland’s coffeehouse culture just became a little bit sweeter...