Watch Brooklynites Freak Over Guy’s Factory Farm-to-Table Resto
Brooklynites are too cool for school when it comes to their beloved ‘hood. So it’s no surprise that “news” of a new “factory farm-to-table” Guy Fieri restaurant in Williamsburg flips the wigs of those interviewed in the video. Others, who note the trend of Brooklynites making the trip to Times Square to eat “ironically” at…
Vosh Brings Live Music, Decades of Experience to Lakewood Scene
The trinity for the Krivosh family is complete. First there was Around the Corner. And then came Georgetown Restaurant (formerly Three Birds). And finally (perhaps) comes Vosh (18515 Detroit Rd., 216-767-5202, voshclub.com), which opened next to the popular Lakewood restaurant. Vosh, a playful spin on the family name, opened just over one week ago. “Tossing…
Rock Hall announces additional performers and presenters for upcoming inductions
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum has announced additional performers and presenters for this year’s induction ceremony, slated to take place in Los Angeles on April 18. Inductees Heart, Randy Newman, Public Enemy and Rush are all slated to perform. Additional inductees include Albert King, Donna Summer, Lou Adler and Quincy Jones.…
Respect the Split at Sweet Moses Treats
Yes, it’s snowing outside for the umpteenth day in a row. But despite what the thermometer on the wall says — the calendar says it’s spring. And in celebration of that incontrovertible fact we suggest treating yourself to an authentic Banana Split from Sweet Moses Treats (6800 Detroit Ave., 216-651-2202, sweetmosestreats.com) in Gordon Square —…
Supreme Court Takes Up Prop. 8, DOMA Debates
Today and tomorrow, the Supreme Court will attend to two hotly debated issues centering around marriage equality in this country. With tides ebbing clearly in one direction (at speeds reminiscent of glaciers), public opinion around the U.S. has swung dramatically in overall favor for gay marriage and, ultimately, equality in such matters. In Ohio, a…
Cleveland Makes it to Forbes List for Something Other Than Miserableness
Photo: Globe Images Well lookee here: Forbes finally decided to throw us a bone after gleefully dicking us over year after year. Or maybe they were totally chastened by Scene’s hilarious and penetrating evisceration of their annual Miserable Cities round-up. Whatever the impetus, we now rank in their latest sorta-nebulous but encomiastic list, “15 U.S.…
Cleveland Air Show Canceled Due To Sequestration
The 2013 Cleveland National Air Show is the latest local victim of federal sequestration. Due to such budget cuts, this year’s incarnation of the famous Labor Day weekend U.S. Navy Blue Angels show has been ripped from the calendar. The decision to cancel the event was forced upon the organizers via a soon-to-be-enacted prohibition on…
Business as Usual for Savannah Bar & Grill
The Savannah Bar & Grill (30676 Detroit Rd., 440-892-2266) in Westlake officially has re-opened, signaling the continuation of 17 years of operation. Owner Jim DePaul could not be happier. “The Westlake community has gone out of their way to welcome us back,” he said. Last spring, Doug Lufkin took over the Savannah Bar & Grille,…
Here’s the Proposed New Ward Map
Closer view here on the city’s website. Among other notes: Downtown, now the purview of Joe Cimperman, would be split into three wards. More fun and festivity around the corner as Shirley Smith and activists call for an investigation into Martin Sweeney’s supposed secret maneuvering and map-making. (PD story from Leila Atassi here.)
Concert Review and Slideshow: Excision at House of Blues
Not settling for entertaining people with just his popular songs and mixing skills, Excision indulged the crowd with his high-powered sound system and his unique live production (his signature stage “X-Vision”). Last night’s sold out show at House of Blues got a great reception and definitely showed a DJ show can be as entertaining as…
Shoppes on Clifton Plan Comes to Light
The Shoppes on Clifton plan was released today by Neighbors in Action. It includes the typical sea of asphalt and several proposed retail spots. The decrepit plaza at the corner of West 117th Street and Clifton Boulevard was demolished last fall, paving the way for …”some” sort of development. More recent news, however, provides several…
Cleveland’s Population Is Still Receding At Record Rates
With this month’s release of the 2012 U.S. Census estimates, Clevelanders are getting one stone-cold confirmation: The city’s population is still experiencing major shrinkage. In fact, our city is at the top of any and all *major metro shrinkage* lists – including the one you keep under your mattress. From 2011 to 2012, the change…
In Tremont, Istanbul Grill Exits, Dervish Grill Enters
The surprise closure of Tremont’s Istanbul Grill last month has a happy ending — or at least present. Last week the restaurant reopened as Dervish Grill (2505 Professor Ave., 216-298-4450, dervishgrill.com). If the name sounds familiar that’s because a restaurant of the same name has operated for four years in Avon. In keeping with his…
Pic of the Day: It’s Baseball Time in Cleveland
Via @gvartwork. It’s lookin’ like 2007 out there. Two weeks and counting, folks.
Clevelander Mary Bridget Davies Getting Mad Props in L.A. for her Janis Joplin Tour de Force
Local blues belter Mary Bridget Davies has hit L.A. hard with her turn as Janis Joplin in the biographical concert musical “One Night with Janis Joplin.” L.A. Times critic David C. Nichols was all kinds of smitten, calling the music electrifying and Davies herself jaw-dropping in her consummate portrayal. Here’s Nichols: It’s not just that…
100 Years Ago Today, All of Ohio Flooded
Cleveland Memory Project From March 23, 1913 to March 27, 1913, the entire state of Ohio was under water, enduring what is still considered the worst weather-related incident to ever hit the Buckeye State. 467 Ohioans died and more than 40,000 homes were flooded as between 6-11 inches of rain fell, pushing rivers and dams…
The Top Four Things To Do This Weekend
Bored? Looking for something to liven up your weekend? We have you covered. Saturday, March 23 Yuri’s Night Out! It’s like no party on earth! Explore the new NASA Glenn Visitor Center after dark. Music, food, drinks and dancing. Ages 21 and over. Buy discounted tickets for just $35! Offer good through Monday, March 18.…
Critical Report Outlines Issues in County Prosecutor’s Office
McGinty Former County Prosecutor Bill Mason left a wreck of a department in his wake. That much at least is readily apparent following the publication of recent office efficiency studies and independent departmental reports. Mason stepped down Sept. 30, months ahead of the end of his term. Judge Timothy McGinty was appointed, and later elected…
Ohio Blames Punxsutawney Phil for Faulty Forecast, Demands Death Penalty
Punxsutawney Phil, rodent weather oracle extraordinaire, done effed up this year—seriously, just look outside—and now Butler County, Ohio, is pissed on behalf of all Ohioans that Phil’s prediction of an early spring wasn’t exactly on point. The county’s prosecuting attorney, Michael Gmoser, filed an indictment, “The State of Ohio vs. Punxsutawney Phil,” that charges the…
Good Punishment, Bad Punishment
On Friday, the Cleveland Metroparks announced that they’d be taking over 26 acres of undeveloped land in Middleburg Hts through an EPA settlement with Scotts Miracle Gro. The property, which will help protect Lake Abrams north of Bagley Road and Fowles marsh to the south, will be bought for $760,000. That entire sum will come…
Bethesda issues new music video
Kent-based indie rockers Bethesda have released a new video for their song “Go,” the new single from their album The Reunion. The video, which just premiered on a site called Baeble Music, features the band playing on an enormous stage with a huge ensemble. “It involves Irish dancing and lots of fun!” says singer Shanna…
Brandon Chrostowski Announces Date for L’Albatros Exodus
After nearly five years, Brandon Chrostowski is leaving L’Albatros and Zack Bruell restaurants to focus on EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute, his restaurant training program. His last day at L’Albatros is April 6. “It’s time; everything is coming together with the program,” says Chrostowski, who says that he informed his boss two months ago. “I’d…
This is the Final Year for Lyndhurst’s Eggshelland
MANOLIO FAMILY This Sunday marks the beginning of what will be the final incarnation of Eggshelland – everyone’s favorite Eastertide eggshell mosaic. It’s the 55th year for a tradition that began with a quaint 750 shells in 1957. There are 18,344 shells planned for this year’s installment. The whole family – headed up by Betty…
Doors Opens to a Whole New World of Beer in Lakewood
Lakewood keeps expanding its entertainment options with the opening of World of Beer. Housed in the INA Building at the crossroads of Detroit Avenue and Warren Road, this 3,800-square-foot chain is serious about its suds. “As of this morning we had 536 bottles of beer,” GM Shawn Freeman boasts. In addition to the bottle holdings,…
Doors Open at Flip Side Chagrin Falls
Today is the first day of ops for Flip Side Chagrin Falls (44 N. Main St., 440-600-7274, flipsideburger.com), which opened in the space that Joey’s Restaurant had occupied since 1981. That restaurant lost its lease following a devastating fire that shuttered its business. Before reopening, the space was totally gutted and re-built. Like the other…
Career Creep and City Employee James Box Indicted
James Box’s Twitter Account James Box, the project director of Cleveland’s Community Relations Department, has been indicted on charges of attempted rape, kidnapping, gross sexual imposition and more. The allegations stem from highly inappropriate meetings with two women between August and October 2011, according to reports. And like much of Box’s rap sheet, any semblance…
71-Year-Old Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Neighbor with Power Washer
Image: News Channel 5 Here are constructive ways to address less-than-simpatico situations with your neighbors that probably won’t land you in prison for six months: 1. Poop on their lawn2. Poop on their lawn3. Talk to them like a freaking adult In contrast, here’s how 71-year-old Akron resident Edwin Heatherly and his neighbor Kenneth Grether…
A Spirited Discussion
“Beer lacked panache, and straight whiskey might have suggested an over-familiarity with the bottle. Martinis would come across as contrived and too rarified, and no pilot could ever pull out of the spiraling career dive that would result if he were to be seen with an umbrella drink. Thus, the military specified that at Houston…
Opening: The Gatekeepers
This brittle documentary about top-secret Israeli intelligence agency Shin Bet features extensive interviews with its six surviving former heads. At best, the film inspires some worthwhile (if commonplace) reflections on morality and ethics within intelligence communities; at worst, it’s a heady, basically shallow depiction of the Israel-Palestine conflict. It’s reassuring indeed to know that Americans…
What’s Fresh At: Paladar
Though Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar launched in Woodmere, the restaurant has grown to six locations spanning the Eastern seaboard. Fueled by the bold flavors of Latin American cooking – and the fun and festive mood inspired by countless mojitos – this Cleveland-born export shows no sign of letting up. Despite its growth, the…
Culinary Calendar
Friday, March 22, Happy Dog in Detroit Shoreway will host another one of its festive and popular Polka Happy Hours. Beginning at 6 p.m., the high-energy deejay will play polka tunes while the crowd dances and dines on gourmet hot dogs. You can build your own dog by selecting from 50 different toppings or choose…
Souled Out
Drama seems to follow singer Jonny Craig wherever he goes. The guy quit the popular pop-punk act Dance Gavin Dance in 2007 and then quickly joined Emarosa, another popular pop-punk band. That band had its fill of Craig in a hurry and gave him the boot in 2011, but by that time he had rejoined…
Opening: The Croods
This animated feature about a group of prehistoric caveman who have learned to survive by following the strict rules of their lunkhead father Grug (Nicolas Cage) has a certain charm to it. The story centers on Eep (Emma Stone), the family’s teenage daughter who doesn’t like the fact that they spend so much of their…
John Kasich’s Double Talk
Gov. John Kasich’s budget proposal, House Bill 59, is prompting education leaders throughout Ohio to dissect the ramifications of a new school funding formula. The plan, coiled within his budget package and dubbed “Achievement Everywhere,” showcases some handy line-item work. It also displays an uncanny disavowal of the governor’s actions in support of last November’s…
Opening: Springbreakers
Not sure who had the bright idea of handing art house auteur Harmony Korine (Gummo, Julien Donkey Boy) the reins to a film about a group of babes on spring break. Like Magic Mike, Steven Soderbergh’s arty male stripper movie, Spring Breakers features plenty of tits ’n’ ass, but the somber storyline about a group…
Seismic Activity
There are Earthquakes in the security line at San Jose International airport — the MLS’ San Jose Earthquakes. They’re shipping out to Columbus for a matchup this weekend against the Crew. Justin Morrow is among them. Morrow was a standout on the St. Ignatius soccer squad of the mid-aughts that dominated regional sports’ headlines. They…
Adventures in Argyle
If you are reading this it means you survived St. Patrick’s Day in Cleveland, Ohio. Congrats! You get the spirit award and the pleasure of years of kidney dialysis. As we know, Cleveland celebrates St. Patrick’s Day like we just won the Super Bowl. In fact, the annual informal contest to consume everything fermented in a…
Top Pop Culture Picks for the Week
TOP PICK Life of Pi (Fox) Ang Lee’s film about a man who survives a shipwreck rightly won the esteemed director an Oscar. The film’s visual effects and twist at the end combined to make one of 2012’s best movies. Sound City (Variance Films) The Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl directed this terrific documentary about the…
Screens
Being a big movie nerd, I dig when a decent documentary about how the film industry works comes along. This week’s column is dedicated to just such movies. The Last Mogul (2005, R, Netflix streaming) Here’s the story of a Cleveland kid making it big in Hollywood. Mogul is a film about Lew Wasserman, one…
Opening: Stoker
The English language debut from Korean director Park Chan-wook arrives with a good deal of anticipation. His foreign language flicks — particularly 2003’s Oldboy — suggest a singular vision and a unique take on the horror genre. In terms of visuals, Stoker certainly has plenty going for it. The story here concerns India (Mia Wasikowska),…
CD Review: Charlie Mosbrook
charliemosbrook.com On the opening title track, singer-guitarist Charlie Mosbrook sings, “we all need something to believe” with a good deal of vigor, injecting some real life into the track with his spirited harmonica wails. It’s a testament to his talent that Mosbrook, a veteran on the local folk-rock scene who became a quadriplegic in 2010,…
Burn, Baby, Burn
Ward 1 Councilman Terrell Pruitt was the first to speak up at an economic development committee meeting last week after execs from Vadxx energy gave a courtesy presentation about their proposed new plant on the east side. It’s a plant that will convert up to 60 tons of plastics into crude oil every day and…
The Road Warrior
Singer Aaron Lewis is best known as the frontman for Staind, the Springfield, Mass.-based band that formed in 1995 and was active up until this year. Lumped in with the nu-metal hard rock acts popular at the time, the group toured with acts like Limp Bizkit in 1999 and then broke through to the mainstream…
A-Listers Back In B.C.
Ceramics artist Sarah Hahn wonders if we’ve completely misunderstood the cultures that came before us. Reading myths full of divine infidelities and pelvic humor, she wonders whether the Greeks read them literally. If they were meant as parables, jokes, or scripture, we can only guess. But for Hahn, who holds various credentials from Ohio Wesleyan…
Get In Line
The customer ordering a glass of wine at the Black Pig wasn’t quite sure she heard the bartender correctly. “Wait. Does that wine go through a tube?” she asked. “Yes, technically it does,” he responded. “Never mind,” she said. “I don’t drink anything that goes through a tube.” In recounting that story, chef-owner Mike Nowak…
Humble Beginnings
Some people open restaurants because they have a passion for food. Others do so because they want to be their own boss. While those factors certainly came into play for Ayman Morra, who last October opened Tarboosh Eatery in Parma, they were not chief among his motivations. “The most important reason was because I wanted…
The Wanderer
Best known as the brains behind Squirrel Nut Zippers, a band that spearheaded the swing revival of the ’90s, singer-guitarist Jimbo Mathus started releasing solo albums later that decade. More blues and folk influenced than the Zippers, his solo efforts are eclectic affairs that sample a wide swath of American roots rock. For his latest…
We Get Mail
On: “Lake Erie is Currently Toxic” The algae blooms are from nutrients (fertilizer) being washed off fields and out of sewage plants into the streams and rivers by the rain. The nutrients feed the algae and the algae bloom grows bigger and bigger. The algae eventually dies and rots, stripping oxygen from the water during…
Band of the Week
Meet the Band: Chris Carmichael (vocals, synthesizers), James Young (vocals, synthesizers), Rob Armstrong (bass), Mark Shivey (drums) Timing is Everything: The group got together in 2009 after Chris Carmichael and friend James Young decided to join forces. The two had been writing songs and making records on their own, but they scrapped their respective solo…
On View This Week
The Bonfoey Gallery Contemporaries 2013. Ten regional artists, including Kirsten Bowen, Susan Danko, Erik Neff, and Robert Robinson, display recent work. Through April 6 at 1710 Euclid Ave. For more information, call 216-621-0178 or go to bonfoey.com. The Beecher Center at The Butler Institute of American Art Tap, Crack, Bellow. Cleveland artist Dana Oldfather displays…
Savage Love
DEAR READERS— I’m off this week. To tide all of your hot and/or kinky and/or sore asses over, here’s a column I wrote 15 years ago. Some newer readers might’ve missed this column when it originally appeared—some of you who were still in grade school, diapers, or amniotic sacs back in 1998—so I’m rerunning it…
Con Gone Wrong
The times are tough for con artists. Used to be, way back in 1990 when Six Degrees of Separation debuted, a young man could claim to be the son of actor Sidney Poitier and get away with it. Now, his ruse would be foiled within a few seconds via a Google or Bing search. John…
The College Try
When he first took what he calls a mental “x-ray” of Jean Hanff Korelitz’s book Admission, director Paul Weitz (American Pie, About a Boy, Little Fockers) says he knew it would make a good movie. The book is about a 38-year-old college admissions officer at Princeton University whose life takes a dramatic turn when she…
Struck Explores Brain Trauma
Considering the vast panoply of diseases and disasters that can be visited upon a human body, there is probably nothing more frightening than a cataclysm involving the brain. When our brain stops functioning properly, or stops altogether, nothing else matters. And those are the thoughts that went through Tannis Kowalchuk’s flickering gray matter as she…
