Category Archives: Uncategorized

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 [...]

By Michelle V | 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, [...]

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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 [...]

By Michelle V | 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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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“fried” quinoa (healthy & tasty)

February 10, 2010

I first discovered quinoa a few years ago through an article Mark Bittman wrote in the Times. His recipes, knowledge -  basically anything he has written – have yet to let me down. So I gave this grain a shot and have been enjoying it ever since.
I use is constantly – from stuffed peppers, to light summer [...]

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celebrating february 14

February 9, 2010

I have a confession to make. I don’t like Valentine’s Day. With the exception of elementary school when you used to pass out little valentines to your classmates and collect a bunch in return (and eat way too many candy hearts and laugh at the messaging), I’ve never been a fan. Single or in a [...]

By Michelle V | Tagged , | Comments (19)

your chance to spend an afternoon with ted

February 6, 2010

Technology, Entertainment and Design, or TED, is coming to Cleveland. Those  familiar with TED know it brings the world’s thinkers and doers together to talk about their passions and ideally, ignite those listening to improve their surroundings and inspire change. Past speakers include Bill Gates, Frank Gehry, Bono, Bill Clinton and Richard Branson.
On February 26, [...]

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making sunday super (and another chance @ cooking classes)

February 1, 2010

Truth be told, until the Browns are in the Super Bowl (and they will be in the Super Bowl), I could care less about the game. There are two things, however, that I do enjoy about Super Bowl Sunday – the food and commercials.
We usually have some people over for the game, but this year [...]

By Michelle V | Tagged , , , | Comments (32)