Scene and Heard: Scene's News Blog

Is Cleveland next in line to receive a Hofbräuhaus?

Sources close to some very discreet dealings are telling Scene that plans currently are in the works for a massive Hofbräuhaus to land soon in PlayhouseSquare. Presently, a handful of operating licensees of that famous Munich brewery exist in the states, including Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Las Vegas.

If the rumors are true, and the establishment turns out anything like the one in Pittsburgh, Clevelanders can expect a massive complex seating hundreds of guests (PIT seats over 1,000) inside and out. Like the boisterous original in Germany, stateside Hofbräuhaus's feature an open-air Bier Garden, cavernous high-ceilinged Bier Hall, and other dining rooms.

In addition to serving beer — exclusively Hofbråu, naturally — the establishment serves traditional German food like pretzels, sausage, schnitzel, and pork shank.

At present time, Scene has calls into reps and will report back as soon as we get official word.

Until then, Prost!

David Gilbert, the President of our city's booster institution Positively Cleveland, says that his organization has learned a whole bunch about attracting visitors to Northeast Ohio. Among other things, he claims that residents just aren't taking enough pride in the city.

"As we get into talking about perceptions, the perception of locals about our own community is not very good,” Gilbert told WCPN.

He said that "recommendations from residents" is one of three essential factors when people decide where to travel. It's right behind "recommendations from recent visitors" and "the internet."

(That's Drew Carey, by the way).

In an effort to, I don't know, enhance regional pride or something (so that we can all make better recommendations when random strangers ask us if they ought to visit Cleveland), Gilbert and Co. are starting something called the CLE Travelbackers, a two-session training program for those who deal directly with the traveling public. Moreover, they're imploring all local residents to take more pride in the city.

Which is just jim dandy, except doesn't this seem somewhat dubious when Cleveland boosterism among city dwellers appears to be an an unprecedented high?

(However, I guess when suburban folks are still timid about venturing into scary Ohio City because of the crazy parking situation, the problem may be more serious than it initially appears.)

Is the infamous Bedford Bear back on the prowl in Northeast Ohio?

Probably not. But there was a black bear sighting in Ashtabula and, as with any sensational animal story in a small town, it brought out the absolute best in local reporting.

"Banging devices" and exaggerated eyewitness accounts coming your way, courtesy of the Star Beacon:

“Ashtabula County is the leading county in the state for bear sightings,” said Scott Peters, ODNR’s wildlife managing supervisor. “This is typical of this time of year.”

Peters said it’s the bears’ breeding season and the animals are trying to find their own territory.

Ashtabula Police Chief Robert Stell said ODNR gave his officers “banging devices” to spook the bears away from populated areas.

“They sound like a loud firecracker,” he said. “It’s designed to frighten the bear.”

Residents reported the Benefit Avenue bear weighs about 300 pounds, but Peters said most likely the bear weighs about 150 pounds.

“I’ve seen dozens and dozens of bears,” he said. “They are one of the hardest species to judge.”

Residents are advised to cuddle ferociously with the animal if it wanders near them and perhaps feed it a sandwich.

Most of Cleveland - nay, the world - wants to know what Charles Ramsey's life has been like for the past few weeks.

For now, though, interested Ramsey fans will have to settle for some reductionist playtime.

NMA-TV's abysmal video game, CHARLES RAMSEY'S BURGER BASH, attempts to toss some humor into the local kidnapping rescue. It... doesn't really go over very well.

The "game" involves loading up on cheeseburgers and tossing them at seemingly innocuous neighbors (or is that supposed to be, like, dozens of Ariel Castros?) One of these guys is tuning up his motorcycle. Another dude is holding a bass as he floats in mid-air.

Doesn't matter: Your job is to nail 'em while listening to a bizarre blend of now-infamous Ramsey quotes ("You gotta have some big testicles to pull this off, bro.") and SNES-era synth melodies.

Unsurprisingly, it's actually really fucked up. Losing the game results in an Ariel Castro-like character leading Ramsey into a nearby house - ON A LEASH AND COLLAR. Oh, and the screams of women that tear through the opening scene? The developers couldn't possibly have less integrity (although the cats behind Superman for Nintendo 64 may give them a run for their money).

Bonus, however: If you come away with a sweet high score, you can share that shit on Facebook and really bum out all the people who formerly cared for you.

UPDATE: Ramsey issued a statement yesterday denouncing both this game and all other attempts at using his name for marketing, etc. "I want everyone to know that I have nothing to do with this trash," he wrote.

Hungry? Thirsty?

We've got you covered.

1. On Friday, May 27, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church will host the 43rd annual Greek festival. Held in Tremont every Memorial Day weekend, the popular event features Greek music, food, drink and even antiques. Visitors will find a mouthwatering assortment of homemade Greek specialties like pastitsio, moussaka (Greek style lasagna), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and lamb shanks. But the crowd favorite is always the gyro — and they don't get much better than they are here. Be sure to save some room for baklava or loukoumades (fried dough with honey). If you want something to wash it all down with try the Greek beer Mythos or some Greek white wine. The festival starts at noon and is free.

2187 West 14th St., tremontgreekfest.com

2. On Friday, May 24, Osteria di Valerio in the Warehouse District will throw a "Swinging Affair," when they transform the popular subterranean space into a Rat Pack den. Rick and Sharona will be belting out everything from Sinatra to Peggy Lee. The entire menu — including the famous gnocchi and risotto — is available. The event starts at 8 p.m. and is free as long diners eat and/or drink.

408 W. St Claire Ave., 216-685-9490, osteriacleveland.com

3. On Sunday, May 26, One Shift, a Boston fundraiser, will take over Whiskey Island Marina and Wendy Park to benefit the family of Martin Richard. Richard is the eight-year-old boy who sadly lost his life in the Boston bombings. "This will be an event like no other!" promises Rob Turkek, president of the Cleveland Chapter of the U.S. Bartenders Guild, the non-profit spearheading this event. Sponsored by Bacardi, Jack Daniels and Samuel Adams, this event is no cost to attend and will feature local food trucks like Touch Supper Truck, Umami Moto, and KRAV. Turkek is inviting any and all tipped employees to choose a shift to work and to donate their tips to for the cause. It starts at 2 p.m. and is free, but please tip generously.

2800 Whiskey Island Dr., 216-631-1800, oneshiftforboston.org

Scene first highlighted the work of TeeJayy Lewins as he hit the road in December for a songwriting sojourn in Colorado. He returned to his native Cleveland with a fresh batch of material and a plan to form Gypsydays, a hard rock outfit that played a handful of shows between Akron and points north before disbanding abruptly.

But soon thereafter, Lewins reformed the band with new members and a slight variation on the spelling. Drummer Dom Williams and bassist Kyle McKenna round out Lewins' heart-pounding lead work on guitar. Gypsydaze will play two sets of music (for free!) at Around The Corner in Lakewood at 9 p.m. tonight, revitalized with new songs and a more intense approach to the stage.

"Now the objective is... We keep playing from our first song to our last song and there is no stopping," Lewins says. "We want to keep the energy peaking at all times."

There's also a show planned for May 25 on the rooftop of DNA Level C downtown.

The band plans to begin recording their material in early June; you can expect more news from Gypsydaze as the summer unfolds.

"We are bringing rock 'n' roll back to life in the Cleveland music scene," Lewins adds.

John Q’s, the legendary downtown Cleveland steakhouse, is closing its doors on June 15th. Located in the 55 Building on Rockwell Ave. across from Public Square, this establishment has been serving award-winning steaks for almost 22 years.

“This is purely a business decision. I have looked at it a hundred different ways. I’ve agonized over it, and decided this is the time” says owner Rick Cassara. But Cassara’s top concern is his staff. “My restaurant survived because of my 40 staff members, and they are my primary concern. I’ve reached out to my fellow restauranteurs and Cleveland Independents so they can grab up my qualified staff. A lot, but not enough have secured jobs,” says Cassara.

Over the span of 21 years, Cassara’s John Q’s has hosted everyone from Stephen King to the Jim Rome Show broadcasting live during the MLB All-Star Game. But Cassara understands the value of the many local patrons: “We have served over a million people over the years many of them local and those are the ones we need to thank.”

The future tenant is in the works, and Cassara is confident it will be a good fit. What is certain is that after the doors are closed Cassara is “going to take two weeks on a beach with my family and then take time to make the decision of what to do next.”

But before he puts his sunscreen on, Cassara will properly close his restaurant down and has one parting message — “This has been a great period in my life, and I want to thank everyone for making us who we are. And hire my employees!”