OBA

Jim Alescis Place // OBA March Meetup

March 25, 2015 by Rachel Leave a Comment

A week ago from Sunday I had the privilege to attend a meet and greet style event at Jim Alesci’s Place in their new Solon location with the Ohio Blogging Association gals! I arrived before anyone else because apparently I overestimated how much time it would take to drive to Solon from Akron (PS. only 25 minutes). My early arrival provided ample time for me to do a little exploring of the store on my own beforehand.

I had not visited the old location so I have little point of reference in that regard, but I can say from the moment I began wandering, I felt like I was home. See, my Italian mother no longer lives nearby, so I’m no longer receiving my daily dose of Italian family stuff. Ha!

But in all seriousness, this place is incredible. The staff (comprised of mostly family or “extended family”), were the most hospitable group of people (outside of my own family, obvy), that I’ve ever met. They did the very thing I’ve come to expect from my own family — go above and beyond to make sure we were well fed, comfortable and above all, happy.

I loved hearing about how Alesci’s really is a family store. Jim Alesci’s grandfather started baking bread in the states shortly after arriving from Italy. From there, the family opened up a storefront in the 90s. And Alesci’s has grown into a Cleveland tradition.

First things first… let’s talk cheese. Or as we say in Italian, Antipasto. I loved them all. Every last one of them: soft cheeses; hard cheeses; new and old. Every. ONE.

But one in particular stood out among the crowd — Frank’s Gouda. At least that’s what I think it’s called. Cause I was in a cheese coma. In fact, just thinking about this cheese right now? Makes me delusional. No joke.

Just when I thought my belly couldn’t be more full (PS. you can never have too much of this gouda), we were led on an official tour of the store. I loved meeting the whole family and hearing each of them give their personal spin on the store. Each of them has a unique story that truly gives Alesci’s that family feel that is insanely special.

[Pictured clockwise from upper left: Italian Beef Slider;
Pancetta Pasta Salad; Eggplant Parmesan; Roasted Beet Salad]

But let’s get to the food. Gah! All of the family-style food! Fifteen “tasting” courses. I say “tasting” because honestly, it was all family-style. I feel deprived of real Italian food, so I really, really, indulged in the courses. Like, I gave it my all to try and finish each course.

[Pictured clockwise from top: Sicilian Pizza; Roasted Veggies; Chicken Pot Pie]

One of the woman who was helping to serve us is not technically family; but she is definitely Italian. And as she checked on me several times to make sure I was satisfied with the meals. I think she uttered something along the lines of I’m sorry about the portions… to which I replied “are you serious,” and followed it up with a comment about how that is SO typical Italian mother of her. Ha! Italians always, ALWAYS, make way more than they actually need for a crowd of people. In fact, I’ve come to expect it from my own family. Every function. Every party. Every big event.

Aaaaand then they came out with “dessert.” Really?? This was INSANE. I am definitely particular about my canoli’s (because I make a badass canoli), and the Alesci canoli definitely knocked it out of the park. Plus? The napoleon. Wow. Wow, wow, wow.

I will tell you that I actually walked out with two bottles of montepulciano, pepperoni rolls (made with homemade bread) for dinner, and several, several, desserts. Oh, and a totally full tummy and happy heart. I loved every second of my experience at Alesci’s and I cannot wait to go back. Also? I need more Franks Gouda… already. Ha! #allthecheese

Thanks, OBA and Alesci’s for hosting us!

Disclosure: I was invited to attend the Ohio Blogging Association meet-up at Jim Alesci’s Place. We received complimentary food and drink, as well as gift cards to Alesci’s and a t-shirt. As always, all opinions are 100% my own

Ohio Blogging Association // December Meetup at TownHall

January 14, 2015 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Just before the holidays the Ohio Blogging Association celebrated it’s last meetup of 2014 with a visit to local Ohio City restaurant, TownHall.

[photo credit: Alicia – Poise in Parma]

The philosophy behind TownHall is definitely a philosophy I support — organic, sustainable, and locally sourced food. They offer an array of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan dishes — and all are delicious!

We learned that over the last year they have made it a goal to become 100% non-GMO. And as of just the other day, they have succeeded! They are now 100% non-GMO!

Trust me, while I was there I certainly had some questions about this for the staff. Chad + I put a huge focus on consciously choosing our food from sources that are non-GMO when we can. ‘Cause let’s face it — there are somethings that are difficult to locate non-GMO. So serious props to Townhall and the staff for this huge accomplishment!

In addition to me grilling the staff on their non-GMO initiative, I promise I did taste a LOT of food.

Our meetup was on a Monday night, which happens to be both Vegan Night AND Craft Beer Monday (every Monday $3 for any of their 36 drafts from 6pm to close). Their craft beer list is extensive and impressive. And as a non-vegan, I can testify that meat-eaters will love their vegan offerings, too!

We started our food journey with Black Bean-Quinoa Falafel Steam Buns (with pickled red onions and sriracha cucumber vegan aioli). So, so, good. I have to admit, I love steam buns; but these weren’t just any steam buns. The falafel and aioli packed a little bit of a kick, too!

Next up was a gigantic Raw Vegetable Crudite Platter with White Hummus and Kalamata Olive Dip. That kalamata dip — heavenly. I could have licked the bowl clean. Really.

My entrée of choice was the Kobe Steak + Potatoes (Rosemary fingerlings, portabella + roasted red pepper roll, with a balsamic reduction drizzle). It did not disappoint. I, for one, did not expect to be able to finish my meal. Let’s face it — my eyes are always bigger than my stomach. But I dominated this kobe steak and potatoes. It is by far one of the best meals I’ve ever had.

I think most of us felt this way about our entrées because we were all silent. A large group of 20 or so outgoing bloggers not speaking!? That’s more outrageous than the idea of me finishing a meal! But it’s the truth.

I nearly forgot one of the coolest features of TownHall — you can take home any of their 36 draft beers in a 32-ounce Crowler, pressure sealed for freshness in an aluminum can! This is way cooler than any Growler I’ve seen. As the only one in my household that enjoys beer, a 64-oz growler is just not something one can (or should) tackle on their own! Ha!

We ended our TownHall food adventure by stuffing ourselves to the max on a giant Skillet Cookie (chocolate chip cookie topped with Mitchell’s vanilla ice cream).

At this point in the evening I was fairly certain I couldn’t eat another bite, but when Mitchell’s ice cream is presented to you literally on a platter, you eat it. That’s foodie rule #1 in my book: Never say no to Mitchell’s ice cream.

Other items of note about TownHall: In addition to the restaurant, they have a more laid-back side which features an Urban Cafe, complete with wifi and laptop accessibility. The menu is the same on the Urban Cafe side, but offers a more relaxed “on-the-go” versus sit and chat vibe. It also features a bean bar complete with artisan coffee offerings, as well as a juice bar!

It was an awesome evening spent with awesome blogger friends. I’m so grateful to have these people in my life and to have ended 2014 with such a bang (and food coma)!

Urban Farmer // #BloggerRoundup

September 16, 2014 by Rachel 2 Comments

It’s been nearly three weeks since my Single Week; and just as long since I had a meal where I wasn’t eating as quickly as possible to keep a toddler from begging me for whatever it is I’m scarfing down.

While I’ve learned that this is now the lifestyle I prefer (competing with a toddler for food > loneliness), I did manage to squeeze in the longest and one of the most amazing meals I’ve ever had during my Single Week. I was lucky enough to attend a blogger/foodie event at Urban Farmer Cleveland. Urban Farmer Cleveland’s newest and most fabulous steakhouse, located in the Westin hotel on East 6th.

I arrived fashionably early. Is an hour early still ‘fashionably’ early? Probably not. But it did give me plenty of time to enjoy a happy hour cocktail in the very chic lounge.

If it were up to me, I would just call this drink “Delicious” on the menu; but it has a name. And it’s name is Rhubarb Daisy. Gosh, I love rhubarb season!

From happy hour in the lounge, we ventured to the patio for Oysters, Signature Cocktails, and Charcuterie.

It’s hard to believe I spent nearly an hour chatting with my fellow Ohio blogger friends while sipping on a tasty cocktail overlooking a city that I absolutely adore.

I was able to finally meet some blogger friends that I have “known” for years, but had yet to run into in real life (I’m talking about you Bite Buff!); and it made my heart SO incredibly happy to catch up with friends I’ve known for a long time (Poise in Parma, Eat Drink Cleveland, and Smitten In CLE — I’m looking at you!).

Before I knew it, Jaqquie from Cleveland Kiddos ‘challenged’ me to our first oysters. I know, pathetic I had never had oysters before. I had no doubts I would love it, but I anticipated being weirded out by the texture. Nope! (although my face would suggest otherwise on Cleveland Kiddos instagram! Ha!).

Shortly after my first oyster experience, we moved into The Pantry (Urban Farmers’ private dining room) for a five-course food & wine pairing. I’m not certain what my expectations were, but they blew me away. First of all, the dining room decor was adorable. In the worst/best way. Look at that lamp!

They also have a private room that is dedicated to everything they’ve pickled! (I feel like I was the only person who kept thinking “We can pickle that!”). UF uses local veggies that are left unsold at local farmer markets for pickling purposes! Genius! Right? My husband would have been thrilled. He LOVES pickled everything.

The first course was Beef Tartare with Deviled Egg (pairing with Charles & Charles Rose). As a semi-foodie (which really means someone who will try any food once, but will still show some hesitation), I was nervous for my first tartare experience.

But I remembered this: I was once nervous for my first sushi experience, too. This is the same. The result? I freaking loved it. Love, love, loved it. I could eat this beef tartare every single day. True story.

The second course was a chilled lobster salad with tomato, avocado, fennel, mint, and verjus sorbet (pairing with Mayu Pedro Ximenez). Lobster is a food I’m completely down with. Chilled? That’s a new experience for me. But delightful, light and flavorful. White wine is not something I typically choose to drink, but I was impressed with the pairing.

The third course was a seared scallop with corn, candied bacon, a corn fritter, and tomato (pairing with Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier). The entire course was flavorful and texturally contrasting — which is awesome. But I could eat pounds of that candied bacon. And the corn fritters were perfection!

The fourth course was a 21 day dry-aged strip loin with boulangere potato and summer squash (pairing with Lock & Key Meritage — my personal favorite). Chef Brad lost me in a food coma when he started talking about how the potatoes were cooked. I’m a sucker for beef. And potatoes (this has not always been the case — my pregnancy with Moosh changed me. It made me a beef + potato lover!). I knew that I wanted to eat this entire course; but I was far too full to eat all of it all at once (thanks to the most extravagant, most delicious 5-course meal I’ve ever eaten, and for our incredibly attentive server for packing the rest of this up for me to go!). Sidenote on the wine: I sent texts & tweets the next day to all of my blogger buddies. For the life of me, I couldn’t remember the name of this red wine. And I searched for it. High and low. Nada. Can’t find it anywhere. So the search continues!

The fifth and final course was a Great Lakes Malted Barley Custard with malt balls and honeycomb. I’m pretty much a dessert junkie. Especially delicate and well-paired desserts. The malt balls and custard were the perfect flavor combination. And I saved the honeycomb until the end. Because like my gal Sarah, from Cooker Girl, reminded me — the honeycomb was pretty much a slightly harder piece of sponge candy! O. M. Yum!Guys, I over-ate in the best and worst way that night. On my way back to Akron, I called my mom and said “I need you to get me a gift card to Urban Farmer for my birthday so I can take Chad for a dinner date.”

Huge thanks go out to the staff at Urban Farmer Cleveland! Keep up with their Facebook page HERE, follow them on Twitter HERE and Instagram right HERE!

Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream #SweetUp Recap

June 19, 2014 by Rachel 4 Comments

Yesterday evening I had the pleasure of attending the Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream #SweetUp Event, hosted by Edible Cleveland and the Ohio Blogging Association. And my heart is exploding with happy from this event!

If you’re unfamiliar with the Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream’s flagship store in the heart of Ohio City, here’s the deal:

It opened just recently in the old Moda building. The first floor features an ice cream shop lobby with plenty of seating options. When you’re order your scoops at the front counter, you have full-view of where the magic happens (aka – where they make the goodies!).

We headed upstairs to a big party room overlooking W.25th, ABC The Tavern & Town Hall and on the other side — the ice cream kitchen! Not only was the space beautiful but the layout was awesome. Moosh enjoyed the views and took it all in!

After saying hi to lots of friends, Mike Mitchell, co-founder of Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream, talked to us about his vision for ice cream, sustainability, and the city that he loves — Cleveland.

It was refreshing to gain his perspective on why they will not (ever) ship their ice cream — sustainability. Mike Mitchell’s philosophy is that if you live in Cleveland, you should eat Cleveland ice cream. If you live in Phoenix (his example), eat Phoenix ice cream! The carbon footprint of ice cream being shipped is crazy ridiculous. Could not agree more!

I felt like a complete food-nerd because I was in shock and awe of Mike and his food philosophy. During his Q+A session Moosh kept running through the crowd fistbumping everyone — including Mike Mitchell! They were all awesome sports!

The Agrarian Collective supplied some super yummy + healthy eats. Ari kept signing “More! More!” so it even has foodie-baby’s stamp of approval.

After the Q+A session and the snacking, it was time for our ‘perfect ice cream scoop’ training and official taste-testing! Although ice cream, and in particular Mitchell’s, is my ultimate weakness, I’m in the middle of a 7-day clean-eating cleanse. So I skipped the delicious ice cream.

But Ari didn’t. Nope. Not even a little bit. Kid came to eat!!

Post-ice cream a big storm rolled in and knocked out most of the power down W.25th in Ohio City, which sounded of some pretty serious fire alarms in Mitchell’s HQ! 2 babies in the house, screaming, but we survived! And lucky for us, Mitchell’s has powerful backup generators (the patrons at surrounding restaurants = not so lucky!).

Several minutes later the Fire Department showed up to make sure we were all in the clear. Mr. Fireman, axe and all, was cool enough to pose for a couple of pictures as Moosh looked on admiringly. <3

You would think that after a wild night and tons of sugary ice cream he would have stayed awake all night. Totally, totally, not the case! He didn’t exactly fall asleep on the way home. He wanted me to hold his hand (yes, from the front seat. Awkward angle = ouch. But I loved every second of it) the whole way home. When we got home, I put him straight to bed. We snuggled for a few minutes and there were zero tears; zero fussing. Just one exhausted Moosh.

If nothing else, I walked away with more friends, a worn out baby, and an even deeper appreciation of Mitchell’s AND the city of CLE!