Martinis, Etiquette, and a Seance!

This past Friday, I engaged in all three at the Hanna Theater.  Thanks to my dear friend Julie, I was invited to a special social media night to see the Great Lakes Theater production of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, which also included an introduction to making cocktails and an etiquette lesson.

Stirred, not shaken!

Our night began with a demo on how to properly make a martini.  Noel Coward was a huge fan of gin martinis and was often seen waving one towards the stage during a performance of one of his plats.  We learned a classic martini is made of equal parts gin (or vodka) and vermouth, chilled, stirred, and strained into a martini glass.  (Sorry James Bond, shaken not stirred is not the correct way to make a martini).  We were then given the choice to have either a gin or vodka martini garnished with either an olive or lemon.   Of course, I went with gin and a lemon garnish.

Colleen

With our martinis in hand, we then headed upstairs for an etiquette lesson by Colleen Harding of the Cleveland School of Etiquette.  Colleen's lecture focused on proper etiquette at a cocktail party.  She explained the importance of using proper wine glasses with stems, how and when to join in a conversation, and how to appropriately give someone your business card.  As cute and chic as stemless wine glasses may be, if you are going to be in a situation where you are holding your glass, they will cause your wine to warm  quickly from body heat ruining the characteristics of the wine.  Also, did you know it is not proper to hand someone your card initially, if at all.  Colleen pointed out you should only give someone your card if they ask for it.  Remember, you are at a social event, not a poker tournament.  

Hilarious and "spook-tacular"!

We then were given a brief tour and history of the Hanna before showtime.  In 2008, Great Lakes Theater renovated the Hanna to create a more intimate experience for theater goers.  I personally feel there is not a bad seat in the house.  Also, the bar located in the back of the theater is a gift from Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.  Tom did perform for three seasons at the Great Lakes Theater.  

Blithe Spirit tells the story of novelist Charles Condomine who wants to research spirits for a novel he is working on.  Along with his wife Ruth, their friends the Bradmans, and Madame Arcati, they participate in a seance with leads to the spirit of Charles' first wife, Elvira, being summonsed to visit Charles.  Elvira is unhappy to find Charles has remarried and tries to sabotage his marriage to Ruth.  The play itself is comical and very enjoyable.  It is running currently through March 10.  You can save $10 on tickets by using the code: NEO when you purchase tickets online, over the phone (216-241-6000), or at the Playhouse Square box office.

Delish!!

Afterwards, Katie, Julie, Jessica, Chris, Kasey, and Mary head to Cowell & Hubbard for some late night treats.  I ordered the vegan pizza which was topped with a bed of arugula and balsamic.  It was perfect for a late late dinner!  I cannot wait to return and try an entree and cocktail!  Zack Bruell once again did not disappoint!

**Disclaimer: I was invited to attend social media night at Great Lakes Theater.  I was given a ticket and complimentary cocktail in exchange for blogging about my visit.  As always, all opinions are 100% my own**

Treat Yo' Self + A Great Big WINNER!

Happy Monday!  First of all, thanks to everyone who entered my Great Big Giveaway!  You can still save $1 purchasing tickets online using the code HUNGRYCLE.  I am looking forward to checking out the Great Big Home + Garden Show this weekend!  For more chances to win, check out Bite Buff and Why? CLE.

Congratulations to TISH who was comment #20: "tweeted again today for another entry. can you tell i am dying to go??"

Winner was chosen using random.org.

Lately, I have been catching up on the series Parks and Recreation.  I know, the show has been on for four seasons, but I haven't seen an episode until this fall when Vice President Biden made a guest appearance.  Since then, between Netfilx and DVDs, I am almost all caught up.  There was an episode during season 4 in which the characters of Tom (Aziz Ansari) and Donna (Rhetta) went on their yearly day of indulgence with the motto "Treat Yo Self"

What I took away from this episode is not to go out and spend frivolously, but to "treat yo'self" on a regular basis.  It could be as simple as taking 10 minutes of "me time" in the middle of the day to just be.  It could be a night out with friends/significant other at your favorite restaurant.  It also could be your daily workout.  So this week, when stress is piling up or life is getting to you, remember to take time and "Treat Yo'Self".

Whether is is simple or over indulgent, what is your favorite way to "Treat Yo'Self"?

**Disclaimer: I was asked to promote the Great Big Home + Garden show on my blog.  In return, I was given a pair of tickets to giveaway, and another for me and a guest to "treat ourselves" at the show.  As always, opinions are 100% my own**

Tuesday's Tidbits

Welcome to this week's tiny helping of Tuesday's Tidbits!  

*We currently are in the middle of Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week.  This is the perfect opportunity to check out that place you have been dying to try.  With $30 prix fixe dinners and $15 prix fixe lunches, how can you pass this up.  Also make sure to check out some of the fun tasting events being held throughout the week too.  I am excited to try Zinc tonight with WhyCLE and another one of our friends!

*Looking for something fun, free, and tasty to do on Thursday?  Check out Ladies Bite Out at Suite Sixx, presented by Chef Matthew Mytro.

*After reading Cleveland Food and Brews Reveiw's interview with Chef Jeff Fisher, I am even more excited for Emerging Chefs Sacrilicious on Wednesday.  Can't wait to hear what their March Even will be!!

*Today is National Margarita Day!

*Now through March 8th, Paladar will be holding Carnaval inspired drink and appetizer specials.

*After hearing Steve Schimoler and his crew from Crop are taking over the restaurant/bar at Whiskey Island, I am even more excited for summer Sunday Funday and sand volleyball.

*I am one of this month's Twitter 20 sponsored by cleveland.com.  #CLE20

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

Ladies Bite Out

One of the many things I love about the Cleveland food scene is the number of unique events hosted by our wonderful chefs.  I became familiar with Chef Matthew Mytro after attending last month's Emerging Chefs event, Aphrodisiacs.  Aside from being the founder and executive chef for both Stove Monkeys and Crisp Catering, Chef Mytro is the brains behind events like "Flavor Tripping" and "Naked Sushi".  I was very happy when he asked me to help promote his latest event, Ladies Bite Out.  After all, I love a good girls night that involves good food.

Next Thursday, February 24th, all ladies are invited to Suite Sixx to enjoy food prepared by Chef Mytro along with Jeff Jarrett of Palate, Chef Mia of Chinato, Parallax, and L'Albatros, and Ellis Cooley of Amp 150.  There will be champagne tastings, cooking demos, and cupcakes.  What a perfect way to end the night after enjoying Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week or mingling with some amazing Cleveland bloggers at this month's CLE blogger meet up.  Also, did I mention the cost of this event is FREE???  So grab some of your best girls  and head down to the Warehouse District around 8 p.m. for a night of food and fun.

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger.

Cream of the Crop

So I often wondered what it would be like to be a judge on Iron Chef America.  Having some amazing chefs, both the Iron Chef and the challenger, presenting their dishes to me, explaining how they made it and their inspiration for it.  Of course, there would be the evaluation of their use of the secret ingredient.  Well, maybe one day I will be lucky enough to have this experience.  For now, the closest I have gotten is sitting at the Chef's Table at Crop Bistro and Bar in the Warehouse District.

Recently, a friend and I were looking to catch up over dinner.  She suggested Crop since she knows one of the chefs there.  This made me happy since I wanted to go to Crop for some time.  I have heard of some of Chef Steve Shimoler's innovative techniques and Crop's reputation for using the freshest and highest quality ingredients but never experienced it for myself.  I also heard good things about Crop from other foodie friends, so my expectations were quite high.  Crop is tucked away on West 6th next door to the late Dick Jacobs' favorite spot, Johnny's.  Unless you are specifically looking for it, it is easy to pass up.  However, this is all going to change early next year when Crop moves across the Lorain-Carnegie bridge to it's new home on West 25th and Lorain, in an old bank building.  

Since I was a bit early, I had the chance to enjoy a "Spooky Spice" martini and chat a bit with the bartender about the unique martini offerings.  The Spooky Spice was their take on a pumpkin martini and everything a pumpkin martini should be.  I have had my share of pumpkin martini's and this one takes the cake...or pie in this case.  A pumpkin martini should be like drinking spiked pumpkin pie.  Crop's "Spooky Spice" used fresh pumpkin puree shaken with pumpkin liquor and rum.  It was garnished with nutmeg and a cinnamon twist.  Other martini's that caught my eye were the  "Bloody Devil" (pepper infused vodka, and chipotle bloody Mary mix), "Anthony's Caprese Martini" (a caprese salad in a glass), and, not that I would drink it, "The NASCAR" (Wild Turkey, BBQ sauce, peanut butter, and beer...I kid you not).  This also gave me time to take in the intimate, cozy atmosphere which I hope will not be lost once they move to their bigger location.  And now for the food!

If I had to give this a title like an Iron Chef battle, I would call it "Battle Innovation".  Waiting for us, was a basket of buffalo style popcorn.  Think movie-theater meets corner bar.  The popcorn was drizzled with a blend of buffalo seasoning, sriracha sauce (a personal favof mine), bleu cheese, and celery.  Everything came together perfectly.  Now sitting at the chef's table we were able to chat with the chefs as they were cooking.  Even Chef Steve came and talked with us throughout our meal about some of his innovative cooking methods.  One menu item seemed to jump out at me and I had to ask "What is Lobster Latte".  I love lobster and I love latte but how do the two come together?  The name comes from the method used to prepare Chef Steve's interpretation of lobster bisque.  He has discovered a way to use a cappuccino machine to prepare the dish.  The bisque itself is not the thick, creamy bowl of goodness you are used to.  Instead, it is a lighter broth, served with a claw and foam in a latte glass.  A perfect appetizer.  Next, we were served braised pork belly with a tomato based broth.  I will admit, I am not a huge pork person (aside from bacon), but I enjoyed the crispy saltiness of the outside and the middle was so tender, it melted in my mouth.  For my entree, I decided on Crop's interpretation of a soul food classic, chicken and waffles.  I knew I was not going to get the traditional Southern fried chicken on top of a Belgian waffle drenched in maple syrup.  Instead, I was presented with two deep fried chicken breasts on top green beans with bacon, and a rosemary infused waffle on the side.  The plate was drizzled with a maple syrup based reduction to add just the right amount of sweetness to compliment the crispiness of the chicken with the saltiness of the bacon in the green beans.  I also must add, there was enough to share or have for lunch the next day (and yes, the second piece of chicken made a fabulous lunch).  The presentation was visually appealing however, the dish would have scored perfect with me for taste bud appeal.  Another reason I wanted to take the second piece home was I spotted pumpkin strudel on the  dessert menu and just had to have it.  Again, it did not disappoint and met this high expectations of pumpkininess set by the Spooky Spice martini.  If you are looking for a unique experience for date night, or a night out with the girls (or guys even), I would recommend Crop Bistro and Bar.  For a truly memorable experience, make reservations for the Chef's Table.  Either way, come hungry, prepared to share with friends, or take home a doggie bag.

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger.

Girls Night with the Iron Chef

One of Cleveland's culinary high points would have to be Iron Chef Michael Symon.  As this blog progresses, you will probably notice many references to him, his restaurants, book, etc. etc.   I remember loyally watching the first season of "The Next Iron Chef" on Food Network back in 2007 because of him and when he won, I was almost as excited as I will be when the Browns, Cavs, and Indians bring home a championship.  To me, he is what Cleveland is all about.  A hometown boy who made it big, yet remains true to his roots.  It is fun watching "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" when he is on since many of his choices are Cleveland favorites (pierogi from Sokolowski's, beef jerky from the West Side Market, and the polish boy from a food truck outside of Dean Supply on East 30th and Woodland).   I started following his career a few months prior to "Next Iron Chef" when Cleveland Magazine named him "Best Local Chef".  Next to my Snuggie, my best Chirstmas gift this past year was his book "Live to Cook".  I have dined at all four of his Cleveland restaurants (Lola, Lolita, Bar Symon, and B Spot) but have yet to go to Roast in Detroit simply because I was only in Detroit once this past winter for the auto show.  However, next time I am in Motown, a trip to Roast is a must.  I have chose to focus my first Michael Symon related blogs on Lolita in Tremont.  Maybe since it was the location of his first restaurant (Lola was first here prior to moving to it's current location on East 4th Street).  Maybe it is my way of wishing the Iron Chef a Happy Birthday (September 19).  Most likely, it is because I had a wonderful Girls Night there a few weeks ago with two of my bestest friends from high school and the meal I enjoyed is still fresh on my pallet.  

About a month ago, one of my best friends was back home in Cleveland for a few weeks.  I figured that before going back to Denver, she must eat at one of Michael Symon's restaurants.  We decided to have a Girls Night at Lolita in Tremont and it was the perfect choice.  One thing I love about Lolita is the atmosphere.  It has that chic bistro charm and fits perfectly with the eclectic feel of the Tremont neighborhood.  It has a nice blend of elegance and simplicity, much like the Iron Chef's food.  After choosing a bottle of wine to share (Lucien Albrecht, Gewurztraminer) we enjoyed the chickpea dip (hummus) appetizer that probably put most hummus I have had to shame.  For my entree, I had the gnocchi which was tossed with peas, pancetta, swiss chard, and ricotta.  The saltiness of the pancetta perfectly complimented the sweetness of the peas, and the lightness of the ricotta salata balanced with the plump gnocchi.  On the side, I had to try the fried brussels sprouts.  Now you may be thinking "Fried brussels sprouts, ewww!"  I now ask you to please pause for a moment here to get whatever your initial idea of fried brussels spouts (probably something drenched in batter and deep fried) out of your head.  These were pan fried (no breading, batter frying, etc) and wilted with capers and walnuts.  The tanginess from the sprouts went very well with my entree as well.  Finally, for dessert, what girls night isn't complete without something chocolate and Lolita's Chocolate Pot du Creme fulfilled that requirement.  Simply put, it is the best chocolate mousse dessert you will ever eat.

I would recommend Lolita for any occasion from girls night, to date night, to a special celebration.  The menu has something to please anyone, even vegetarians.  I also recommend it for Happy Hour (see their website listed above for specials).  From prior visits, I also would recommend the macaroni and cheese.  One thing, please promise me you will try the brussels sprouts ;)  

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger.