Author Archives: Michelle V

free eats and recipes in celebration of downtown cleveland restaurant week

The fifth annual Downtown Cleveland Alliance Restaurant Week is coming up – February 27 through March 4. More than 40 downtown restaurants are participating this year, offering diners fantastic deals for both dinner and lunch. And now that I’m happily  part of the rat race downtown, I personally can’t wait to take full advantage. Restaurant [...]

future photographer

Well, if she doesn’t become a chef, I think Natalie can make a go at being a photographer. No,  I’m not one of those moms that thinks their kid is some natural wonder and exceeds at everything. But I am a very proud mama and really love her recent iPhone pictures (mine, not hers). Ok, [...]

rocco’s new gospel

One month in to the New Year – are you still on track with your resolutions? I’m not. Mine, like many, was to get healthy and lose the rest of my baby weight. I’m not doing bad – but I’m certainly not there yet. I like to think I’m smart with what I eat – [...]

happy with cheese, wine and bread

Ok, so I’m happiest with Jamie, Natalie and Olivia, but these three are a pretty close second. This combo has been my meal many a nights – intentionally. There’s nothing like sitting on our patio, opening a bottle of wine, and enjoying a nice cheese selection with crusty, warm bread over a great conversation. Or [...]

quick bites: soho, spice, bruell & wells

Lots of good stuff happening, folks. Much of which I’m pretty behind on helping to spread the word. So here’s a quick look at things I think you’d find of interest. One of my favorite power couples, Ben and Jackie Bebenroth, have opened their first restaurant, Spice Kitchen & Bar – right across from The [...]

sawyer to battle on iron chef

Be sure to tune in or set your DVR to Iron Chef American on Jan 22 at 10 p.m. when chef Jonathon Sawyer battles chef Zakarian. Or better yet, head to The Greenhouse and watch in person with their first ever tweet up (or tweet from the comfort of your couch and follow along #teamsawyer).There [...]

the incredible shrinking chef

2012 is off to a very good start for the Whalen family. And last night, I felt like we were a part of that very proud, very loving family. If you have seen Rocco lately, then you know there’s now a lot less of him to love. That’s because he has made some serious life [...]

veggie u results

Hope everyone had a great holiday. Here’s to a 2012 filled with much health, happiness and joy (and of course, good eats!). The Veggie U fundraiser has come to a close. We raised a total of $3,910, for a grand total of $11,750 donated since we started this drive in 2009. That is simply amazing [...]

last-minute holiday gift idea

A message from my friends over at Gatherings Kitchen: Hello and holly jolly to all last minute foodie fanatics! Do we have good news for you! Gatherings Kitchen in Lakewood will be offering complimentary sticky buns, coffee and a few other sweet treats to those of you who would like to swing by Wednesday, December [...]

there is such a thing as a (partially) free lunch

Free food! Sound good? Then how about this: free food with no strings attached. Nada. Zip. Zilch. This Thursday, Dec 15th, Key Bank will pick up part of your lunch tab, at least $10. Participating restaurants include: Chinato, Barley House, Chocolate Bar, Corner Alley, Pura Vida and Flannery’s. You don’t have to be a Key [...]