Eat*Drink*Cleveland

A hungry girl's adventures in Cleveland and beyond.

Looking for some fun and tasty things to do in the CLE? Here's just a sampling of what's coming up.
I'll start off with a fun event that is a little further south. The Kent State Folk Festival starts today. They offer tons of music, workshops and the perfect excuse to head to Ray's Place for a delicious burger and a giant beer. You can get the Mo-Fo that Michael Symon declared the "Best Thing I Ever Ate" or my personal favorite, The Mexican Burger and their amazing fries.



I think Pura Vida is one of the hippest spots in the city not only for their unique and cool decor, but also because they really have something for everyone. They have Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale on tap, have amazing house-made desserts and regularly feature lots of veggie options (African Peanut Stew, I love you!) Case in point, the upcoming Gluten Free 4 Course Dinner. Even if you are a carboholic, this is sure to be tasty. 9/25 6pm. $40, $55 with wine pairings.



If you have always wanted to try raw, vegetarian and vegan cuisine, but have either been afraid or haven't known where to get it, head over to the Lion on Lorain the last Wednesday of every month. Super sweet and talented Chef Anna Harouvis of Good to Go Cafe in the IMG Building rocks the kitchen with her healthy dishes. Next up, 9/26. Here's this month's specials:
Wet burrito with Red Enchilada sauce rolled in cabbage leaves $8.95

Raw Carrot cake with cashew icing and coconut $6.00

Anna's Lasagna: Layers of heirloom tomatoes and zucchini filled with pignoli ricotta and basil pesto w/ marinara. $8.95


The latest offering from Emerging Chefs is being held at one of my favorite Gordon Square spots, Spice Kitchen & Bar. They are known for their seasonal menus so this last taste of summer and nibbling into fall should be a taste sensation. Multi course feast 9/29 6-9pm. $75
Update~Here's the menu:
Long island cheese or pink banana squash soup with apple creme fraîche.


Fall tomato salad with spice acre greens sweet onions cane truffle vin.



Cauliflower ravioli wilted greens and brown butter or 
crispy perch with slaw & ramp tartar sauce.



Roasted pork loin with mushroom spaetzels and brussels sprouts.


Apple bourbon cobbler with salted caramel ice cream.


While we are talking about upcoming Emerging Chefs events, I have to mention a special black tie event in October. The stunning Crop Bistro is the setting for a 20's inspired fete. The entire restaurant will be open to explore and enjoy, including the Vault. This one is worth saving up for! 10/28 6-10pm. $175
Flour Restaurant always has something fun up their sleeves! They have so much going on in the upcoming weeks. Clam bakes with an Italian twist? Fabulous wine dinner with Pio Cesare Winery? Cooking class? Yes, all this and more. They also have 1/2 off bottle nights on Tuesdays. Grab some friends or your love, get some vino and their fabulous wood fired pizza and you have a perfect night. 
Love that they are so successful in their Moreland Hills location. I miss Fountain and am hoping someone else takes over that space soon!


And the much anticipated Flavors of Northeast Ohio is coming up on Monday. It's the annual fundraiser for the American Liver Foundation. Each chef creates a tableside feast for their individual table. Check out the lineup:

 Chef Restaurant
Adam Bostwick- Culinary Co-chair
Jeff Jarrett- Culinary Co-chairAMP 150
Jim BlevinsDowntown 140
Matthew MathlageLight Bistro
Brian OkinLuxe Kitchen & Lounge
Andrew BowerMarket Garden Brewery
Michael NowakThe Black Pig
Kimberly McCune Gibson- 2011 Chef Competition WinnerHungry Bee/ReHive Ale
Brian DoyleSOW Food Catering and The Beachland Ballroom
Dante BoccuzziDante, Ginko, DBA, D.C. Pasta Co.
Anna Harouvis
It's an event that is sure to be fantastic!  9/25 6-10pm $225

And if this cooler weather makes you want to curl up on the couch, check out $24 in 24 as it debuts on Monday. It's a new show featuring Jeff Mauro of the Sandwich King where he finds cheap eats across the country. Our very own Cleveland is the first stop. Monday 9/24 10:30 pm.


Embrace Pumpkin Season! I purchased a pumpkin facial from Revelations in Lakewood for only $35 (regularly $60) and can't wait to get pampered. Perfect to get your skin ready for the cooler weather. I love this spot - looks small from the outside but is huge once you enter. They feature Aveda products and have always been great. Click here to get yours. They also feature pedicures and massages with my favorite squash for the same super price thanks to this offer.

While that sounds pretty tasty, if you prefer to actually EAT your pumpkin, here's a great recipe I plan on trying this weekend:
Pumpkin Pie French Toast via Closet Cooking
This is from a great blog called Closet Cooking. All of the fabulous recipes in this blog are cooked in a tiny kitchen which makes me think that I can make them at my house too. Lots of good stuff! Click here to check out his blog and get the recipe.

Last but certainly not least is the Taste of Little Italy. This is a fundraiser for the Montessori School at Holy Rosary. We went last year and had a blast! Fantastic food and wine all for a good cause. If you need convincing, you can read my blog about it here. 9/23 3-7pm $70 advance, $75 at the door

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