Author Archives: Michelle V

dinner with strangers

March 10, 2010

At the TEDxCLE event a few weeks ago, Room Service owner and a good friend of mine, Danielle DeBoe, talked about a dinner party she went to in Paris where no one knew each other – and that it was one of the most amazing nights of her life. This concept, that’s part dining with [...]

Posted in Market Street Wine Bar, Ryan Santos, market avenue wine bar | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (4)

preview: cleveland international film fest

March 6, 2010

Over the years I’d see a movie here or there, but didn’t really get into the film fest and develop a strong appreciation for it until good friends of ours, Kevin and Kate, showed us a new side of the Cleveland International Film Festival. (this mighty duo is also responsible for the trailer.)
The film fest [...]

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments (41)

quick review: heinen’s prepared foods

March 1, 2010

As part of my ongoing partnership with Heinen’s. they have asked me for honest reviews of some of their prepared dishes from time to time. Last night, I tried pork tenderloin stuffed with chopped fennel, thyme and apricots then lined with bacon ($10). There was actually  a lot to choose from, from steaks to other stuffed tenderloins, stuffed chops, [...]

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments (6)

just another week in the CLE

February 27, 2010

Most miserable city? I beg to differ.
My week started by spending an evening with a bunch of really witty and engaging  Cleveland bloggers by way of a shopping spree at NEXT in Beachwood Place (I didn’t shop, sigh. Instead, I played the part of social media maven and organized this soiree. I sometimes do some [...]

Posted in Jonathon Sawyer, Lola, The Greenhouse Tavern, michael symon | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

dining out with little ones

February 21, 2010

I’ve seen the looks. I’ve heard the comments. We’ve felt the tension as we walk past your table and our party of three is seated next to you. You’re out for a nice evening and the last thing you want is some screaming kid about to ruin your night out. Or worse, we are seated in your [...]

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (16)

chef interviews

February 20, 2010

I’ve been neglectful. I got caught up in other stuff and haven’t been keeping up with the Chef Q&A’s. And for the ones I have completed over the past few years, the links were all messed up making it hard for people to learn a bit more about their favorite chefs.
I know these interviews are [...]

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments (3)

cook like zack bruell

February 17, 2010

With the opening of Chinato, I’ve now completed my Tour de Bruell (if only repeat visits to Parallax, L’Albatros and Chinato was a sport…).  And while I haven’t tried these dishes yet, based on my numerous chef Bruell experiences, I’m eager to light up the stove.
Bruell’s Seared Sea Scallops with Thai Curry
10 Jumbo Sea [...]

Posted in Chinato, L'Albatros, Parallax, Table 45, Zack Bruell | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (1)

clevelanders love their veggies (as in veggie u)

February 14, 2010

Like you, I believe in giving back. Whether it’s volunteering my time or the various organizations my husband and I  support, I think it’s important to help others because you never know when you could be the one that needs a helping hand. But I never put this blog to good use, and it’s been [...]

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (10)

funny how things change

February 12, 2010

I don’t like spice. I love spices, but anything that adds heat – I’ll pass. This includes pepper – barely use it (yes, I know what you’re thinking). I love all types of food and will try just about anything but am a serious wuss when it comes to any bit of hotness on my [...]

Posted in Doug Katz, Jonathon Sawyer, fire | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (2)

cafe toscano

February 11, 2010

I like Aurora. It’s a nice city that has a lot going for it. One thing I always felt was lacking though were quality restaurants – restaurants worth the trip (depending on where you live, Aurora can be a hike).
The now closed Christopher’s was good. We actually were quite impressed with our meals, but the [...]

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments (1)