L'Albatros Brasserie

http://www.albatrosbrasserie.com/

11401 Bellflower Road
Cleveland, OH 44106
216.791.7880

I recently went to L'Albatros for the first time for dinner on my birthday and fell in love.  Picture this: a light snow is falling outside as you are sipping fine wine in a plush booth and tasting french delicacies; a lone votive candle flickers on your table in the dimly-lit room.  The restaurant itself is nestled in a more residential street in Cleveland's University Circle neighborhood and the building looks like it could have been an old tudor-style mansion.  From the cozy atmosphere to the uniquely french menu, it was all too parfait.
The restaurant is composed of a series of small rooms instead of one large open space, which in my opinion definitely works with the vibe they are going for.  I tasted the pâté and les escargots for starters.  It was my first pâté, so I realized that I'm not very inclined to the taste of it.  The escargots, however, were magnificent!  And trust me when I say that I have tried A LOT of escargots in my eighteen years. They didn't rival the escargots in Paris, but they were by far the best i've had anywhere else in the states.  As a main course I had the Nantucket scallops with cooked root vegetables which was a special plate that night.  No surprise that it was also very well prepared.  The food- at least the plates my family ordered- had the common theme of comfort food: warm, hearty dishes.
I had no doubts coming to L'Albatros because it is one of Zach Bruell's restaurants (he also owns Parallax, Chinato, Cowell & Hubbard, and is affiliated with Table 45) and my experiences at his other places have been delightful.  His restaurants continually score in the high twenties based on the Zagat ratings.
As you can probably already guess, I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant for an upscale dining experience.

Picture courtesy of:
http://www.google.com/imgres?num=10&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&tbo=d&biw=1153&bih=683&tbm=isch&tbnid=UtuXCSdbV660JM:&imgrefurl=http://www.cleveland.com/taste/index.ssf/2008/12/lalbatros_takes_over_former_sp.html&docid=ad6DsKRDBA9LIM&imgurl=http://blog.cleveland.com/taste_impact/2008/12/large_albatros-zach-bruell.jpg&w=453&h=299&ei=4fO3UK7tEIjX0QGvr4HoCQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=764&vpy=134&dur=201&hovh=182&hovw=276&tx=128&ty=87&sig=115096144254542963580&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=141&tbnw=209&start=0&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0,i:95

What To Do Over Thanksgiving Break

Got relatives coming in town? Don't know what to do with them in Cleveland?  Well you've come to the right place.

I originally started this blog to be simply for the festivals and events that happen in the summer, but a friend gave me the idea to extend it to all the fun events and happenings throughout the year.  I'll try my best to keep it updated!  For now, here is a Thanksgiving post about some fun things to do with family while your not scarfing down some turkey ;)

In the University Circle neighborhood:
The new space for the Museum of Contemporary Art (or MOCA) opened October 5, 2012 and is definitely something to see.  The architecture is the perfect way to present the modern art inside.

http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/804963/moca-clevelands-new-27-million-building-relaunches-the-institution-as-a-cutting-edge-kunsthalle

The Cleveland Museum of Art opened its brand new atrium on October 28, 2012.

http://blogs.artinfo.com/objectlessons/2012/09/07/rafael-vinoly-builds-a-pantheon-for-cleveland/

While your hopping from museum to museum and getting your fix of some of the best art Cleveland has to offer, stop for a bite to eat.  Some places I recommend: The Coffee House on Juniper (in an old mansion!), or L'Albatros for some fine french dining.

In the Tremont neighborhood:
As I've probably said before, I adore Tremont for its funky artsy vibe and all that its galleries and antique shops have to offer.  Just a walk down Professor Ave. and you'll find something that fits your taste.  Looking for something fun and new to try during the day?  Check out Studio 11 for relaxing and rejuvenating yoga classes.  In terms of galleries, you can find hyper-realistic paintings, stunning photographic prints, or abstract works in the many different galleries.  Looking for a sit-down dinner or for a quick drink with friends? Tremont has plenty of those as well.  Some dinner favorites of mine are Dante, Fahrenheit, Lolita, and Parallax, while Grumpy's Cafe and Lucky's Cafe are great for breakfast or lunch.  Tremont Scoops never fails when you're craving a good old ice cream cone after dinner.  And don't forget that there are some cool bars to check out also.  I've heard good things about these two places from friends and family: Prosperity Social Club and Flying Monkey Pub.  Of course don't forget to make reservations in advance because Thanksgiving weekend is a pretty popular time of year to go out because a lot of college kids come home for the break, and many people travel to visit family for the holiday.

In the Ohio City neighborhood:
What better time of year to visit the West Side Market than at Thanksgiving?  Pick up any food items to cook up a delicious Thanksgiving meal!  The West Side Market is a Cleveland landmark and it ranks in the top public spaces across the nation.  This is a wonderful spot to bring any visitors who are new to the area and impress them with its beauty and history.  Tired from a long day of searching for the perfect turkey?  Grab a drink at the Great Lakes Brewing Company, a burrito at Ohio City Burrito (it rivals Chipoltle, I promise), or lunch from the West Side Market Cafe which is accessible from inside the market.  Or in order to get the full experience of shopping at the WSM, pick up your lunch of choice from one of the vendors (maybe a french crepe, a detoxing smootie, or a french baguette and some fresh brie) and head upstairs to the viewing balcony to enjoy the beautiful architecture of the building while you eat.

In the Theater District/Downtown:
Go see a fun show playing at Playhouse Square or Great Laks Theater Festival.  This may be the best way to entertain your guests.  In the past few weeks I've seen A Winter's Tale, The Imaginary Invalid (both at the Great Lakes Theater Festival) and Beauty and the Beast (Playhouse Square).

http://www.playhousesquare.org/default.asp?playhousesquare=58&objId=3616

http://www.playhousesquare.org/default.asp?playhousesquare=58&objId=3610

The ones I have seen were all fantastically done, of course.  And after most of the plays I see downtown, I like to have dinner at Cowell & Hubbard, which is a Zach Bruell restaurant in the same building that used to house the famous jewelry store, and the restaurants namesake, Cowell & Hubbard.  Zach Bruell also owns Chinato (E. 4th), Parallax (Tremont), L'Albatros (University Circle) and Table 45 (Intercontinental Hotel)- do you see a pattern here?  On an unrelated note: On Friday, November 23 the day after Thanksgiving, the christmas lights are put up on the trees in Public Square.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomsheridan/5221034343/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Wherever your plans take you this Thanksgiving holiday, remember to give thanks for the many things Cleveland has to offer us, and the beautiful city we call home.

Wade Oval Wednesdays

 Every Wednesday night from mid-June to the end of August, University Circle, Inc. puts on a free concert in Wade Oval Park from 6pm-9pm.  On two select nights, they also play a movie on an outdoor screen.  The music ranges from reggae to jazz.  Many of the nearby museums offer longer hours and discounted admission on the night of the event.  Even the local restaurants may offer a sample of their cuisine.  Food vendors line the sidewalk and the sweet smell of freshly baked elephant ears fills the air as a local band jams out on the stage.  Hoards of people, mainly families, picnic on comforters or fold up chairs.  

I took my pug to one of the concerts and I couldn’t walk two steps without people someone stopping to pet her.  It became an instant conversation starter, which for me, added to the friendly community feeling of the event.  It is, essentially, just a bunch of hip Clevelanders getting together for some good live music.

I went on two nights: June 13 for One World Tribe and August 1^st for Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. band.  Though I didn’t know the music of either band, their music was a pleasant backdrop and a small group danced in front of the stage.

(from Google.com)

(from Google.com)

Tremont Art Walk

Friday, June 8, 2012

This event happens on the second Friday of every month.  The Tremont Art Walk is the same idea as any other art walk, but it’s set in the trendy Tremont neighborhood, which is especially known for its art galleries, unique boutiques and popular restaurants.  An art walk is an event where all the art galleries and retail shops in one area keep their doors open until late.  There is surprisingly solid turnout to this event.  Picture people milling about inside a cozy gallery, while they nibble on refreshments, and view some great pieces of art.  I remember buying a print from one of the galleries.  The owner was also the photographer of the print, and I ended up chatting with him about it for a while.  It’s those little moments that keep you coming back every month.

I usually make a night of the art walk by going out to eat somewhere for dinner on Professor Ave: Dante has become a favorite, although one time I grabbed a bite at a food truck that was parked nearby.  There are so many great art galleries packed into a few blocks that it makes the event quite enjoyable to just stroll up and down the street and pop into one shop or another.  The Banyan Tree is a must-see boutique, and you can’t pass up the opportunity to try one of the many flavors at Tremont Scoops.  With or without the Art Walk, Tremont remains a neighborhood with plenty to offer.

(from Google.com)

Tremont Greek Fest

I had never been to the Tremont Greek Fest (formerly called the Greek Heritage Festival), so naturally I  brought the most greek person I could find.  The festival turned out to be a lot smaller than I had originally imagined.  It's held in the back of the Church of Annunciation on W. 14th st and Fairfield ave. in Cleveland's trendy Tremont neighborhood.  The abundance of  delicious food was the main event of the fest.  It was set up in the church hall buffet-style. I had the Loucoumades (fried dough balls!!), Spanakopita (quiche with spinach and feta cheese), and the Beef Kabobs.  You could taste the authenticity in the food.

Adding to the greek culture all around, there were stands set up selling handmade jewelry, paintings of greek landscapes, mini-sculptures, and plenty of colorful belly dancing skirts.  The majority of people in attendance were of greek heritage, so you know you're in the right place for all things Greek!.

Though this festival was on the smaller side, it was so worth going to!

Blossom Time Fesival

This four-day festival in picturesque Chagrin Falls is a classic carnival located in Riverside park looking over the Chagrin River..  There are tons of fun rides, a ferris wheel and plenty of classic games like something straight out of a movie.  Get your fix of funnel cakes, popcorn, and lemonade here too.  The great thing about Blossom is that it runs from mid-day til 11pm all of Memorial Day Weekend.
The festival doesn't limit itself to just the carnival, however.  The full schedule goes something like this:

Thursday night - Carnival and the Hot Air Balloon Glow Up
Friday - Kids Day; Carnival
Saturday - Carnival; Taste of Chagrin in Triangle Park
Sunday - Blossom Time Run and Walk; Blossom Time Parade; Carnival
Monday - Memorial Day Parade

Because there is so much going on in town, it's possible to come back multiple times throughout the long weekend and still find something new to do or see.
*Note: Parking is hard to find!!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!

Thank god this weekend is three days long.  Not only do we need the reprieve from a tough week, but this is THE weekend for the best fests.  Not to mention that most outdoor pools open tomorrow, which means plenty of poolside lounging.

But back to the good stuff: There are two major festivals this weekend.  Both are happening from Friday to Monday, which gives all of you ample time to check them out.

Blossom Time Festival - Chagrin Falls Park off Main Street
*this fest is so much more than an ongoing carnival, check out the link below for detailed schedules!
Link: Blossom Time Official Page

Tremont Greek Fest - Annunciation Church (Corner of West 14th and Fairfield in Tremont)
Link: Tremont Greek Fest Official Page
Check back by Monday for complete posts about each of these!

Hessler Street Fair

When: May 19 & 20, 2012; 11am til dusk

Where: Hessler Street (off of Ford) in University Circle

Who: Public; all ages

Cost: Free!

The Hessler Street Fair, for me, marks the beginning of all the summer festivals.  It is always on a weekend in late May, and for as long as i've been going there has never been even a drop of rain.

Individual stands line the small, brick road, and range from your average street food (and some sweet treats!) to hand-made jewelry to palm reading and henna tattoos.  The overall theme is very hippie and bohemian.  You'll see a lot of tie-dye and bright colors.  At the end of the street there is always a band playing on a small stage with an open area for dancing and whatnot.  Along the street there are individual violin and guitar players and even your occasional open poetry mic.

This street fair is really great for finding locally-made, unique products.  Commonly sold products include jewelry, clothing, photographs, paintings, etc.  They also have stands for Henna tattoos, 5 minute chair massages, and in the past i've gotten my palm read.  Hessler isn't known as much for its food scene; however, it does cater well to its overheated fair-goers with ice cream and lemonade stands.

For the kids they have this whole grassy area set up off the street with magicians, balloon-makers and arts and crafts.

Hessler is definitely one of my favorites and I highly recommend checking it out

Helllloo Cleveland, Welcome to Summer

These past few days of 80 degree weather have been a reminder that summer really has arrived.  And we all know good times come with good weather.

...But ever notice how people are so quick to tell you that Cleveland is so boring and there's never anything to do?  Well the goal of this blog is to convince you otherwise.  Throughout the summer i'll be blogging about all the fun (and free!) events that are happening around the city.  And maybe by Labor Day you'll be convinced of how many things there really are to do around here.

A preliminary list of events...

1. Hessler Street Fair (May 19-20)

2. Blossom Time Festival - Chagrin Falls (May 25-27)

3. Greek Heritage Festival (May 25-28)

4. The Centennial of the West Side Market (June 2)

5. Parade the Circle (June 9)

6. Great Lakes Burning River Fest (July 21-22)

7. Warehouse District Street Festival (August 5)

8. Feast of the Assumption - Holy Rosary Church (August 15-18)

9. Taste of Cleveland (early september)

And more weekly happenings too!