For The Super Bowl this year....

We decided to once again make Michael Symon's awesome lump crap salsa. If you have read our blog in the past you may recall that for the Super Bowl two years ago we first mastered this delicious recipe. It just so happens that this year for Food & Wine's Super Bowl promotion they decided to included the same recipes from Michael Symon's Super Bowl Party feature. Within that feature they had the recipe for the now infamous sriracha wings (just like the ones @Bspot) from Chef Symon. These were expertly executed by Erin (Kelly's sister) and Todd (brother in law/favorite home brewer).

While perusing the Food & Wine site Kelly and Erin determined that we should also drink Bloody Mary's and that is where they found the recipe that is pictured below (which also has sriracha in it). You may also notice Band Hero. Kelly picked up that at Target before the game. The ladies had a great time singing along to No Doubt, Taylor Swift, Corine Bailey Rae, Culture Club, Santogold and many others. Kelly says this game is a must have for any pop music fan.

We just couldn't get enough Michael Symon on Monday, tonight for dinner
we (along with Jose's Mom) made his recipe for Risotto with Bay Scallops from his latest
book as seen in the picture.

Today's Soup Du Jour Is....

With the approaching storm about to the pass thru the mid-west tonight on it's way to hammer the east coast tomorrow. We decided to stay in cook, catch up on the latest & greatest in indie rock and the most recent episode of project runway. This start to our new year has already been so hectic as result, we have not had many chances to stay home and cook some nice comfort food. Tonight Kelly chose a great soup for us to concoct from one of our favorite celebrity Chefs Jamie Oliver. The recipe was: Past e Ceci aka Pasta with Chickpeas from his cookbook Jamie's Italy.

1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped

1 stick of celery, trimmed and finely chopped

1 clove of garlic, peeled and finely chopped

Extra virgin olive oil

A sprig of fresh rosemary, leaves picked and finely chopped

2 14-oz. cans of chickpeas

2 1/4 cups of chicken stock

3 1/2 oz. ditalini or other small Italian "soup" pasta

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Optional: a small handful of fresh basil or parsley, leaves picked and torn

Put the finely chopped onion, celery, and garlic into a saucepan with a little extra virgin olive oil and the rosemary and cook as gently as possible, with the lid on, for about 15-20 minutes, until all the vegetables are soft, without any color.

Drain your chickpeas well and rinse them in cold water, then add them to the pan and cover with the stock. Cook gently for half an hour and then, using a slotted spoon, remove half the chickpeas and put them to one side in a bowl.

Puree the soup in the pan using a handheld immersion blender. If you don't have one, you can whiz it up in a food processor instead, then pour it back into the pan. Add the reserved whole chickpeas and the pasta, season the soup with salt and pepper, and simmer gently until the chickpeas are tender and the pasta is cooked.

At this point, if the soup is a little thick, pour in some boiling water from the kettle to thin it down, and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve drizzled with good-quality extra virgin olive oil. Lovely sprinkled with some freshly torn basil or parsley. A real treat.

Buon appetito!

P.S.

With the thoughts of warmer weather keeping our spirits up, we want to share with you this highly infectious track from:

(mp3) Sleigh Bells - Ring Ring (coming to town April 30th @ The Grog Shop in support of their head ling tour-mates Yeasayer, should be a great show, hopefully *fingers crossed the snow will be gone by then*)

Easy. Delicious. Beer Cheese Dip.

Saturday evening, we attended our latest Dinner/Beer Club gathering at the home of our favorite nano-brewers :) Our task at hand was to start the evening off right with a pub favorite: salty, soft barley pretzels complimented by none other than a beer infused cheese dipping sauce. Which was washed down with a nice dopplebock (aka double bock), Ayinger Celebrator.

1/4 cup of Stout or Porter (we used Great Lakes Brew Co's Edmund Fitzgerald)
1/4 cup of Dijon Mustard (Grey Poupon, but of course)
2 tablespoons of Unsalted Butter
1/8 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper (next time we'll definitely put 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon, we like it spicy, like the Neely's)
A bag of shredded Sharp Cheddar (Heinen's brand)

Directions: Combine the beer, mustard, butter, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan on medium heat until well mixed. Gradually add the cheese, whisking until the texture is smooth.

Voila!

fyi - Those delicious looking pretzels pictured above are from Zoss The Swiss Baker and are making us long for some more. . .

Ready! Set! GO. . .to these Shows!

Finally having some time to catch our breath! Looks like there are some really good shows coming to town over the next few months - here is a little mix to highlight what is to come:

(mp3) Ladytron - He Took Her to a Movie Check out Ladytron's DJ Set (featuring Mira Aroyo) on February 14th @ B-Side Liquor Lounge - we've gone to a couple Ladytron DJ Sets at B-Side and it is definitely a good time.

(mp3) Cold Cave - The Tree Grew and Emotions Dies You probably recall Life Magazine from our mix back in July and from our post about radioshack going indie [February 23rd @ The Grog Shop]

(mp3) Free Energy - Free Energy Formerly known as Hockey Night, these 5 guys from Philly are bringing The Rock! Coming to the Beachland on March 8th along with Foreign Born.

(mp3) We Were Promised Jetpacks -Quiet Little Voices Jose is beyond excited these guys are coming, quite simply Indie Rock + (authentic) Scottish Accents = FTW
[March 12th @ The Grog Shop]

(mp3) Tender Trap - Sweet Disposition These guys are from Australia, you probably know them best from the U2-ish sounding track in (500) Days of Summer
[March 27 @ The HOB in The Cambridge Room]

(mp3) The Big Pink - Dominos These British Lads are poised for an even bigger 2010 filled with their ultra catchy electro fuzz filled compositions that get lodged in your skull.
[March 23rd @ The Grog Shop]

(mp3) Mayer Hawthorne - Just Ain't Gonna Work Out (Astronote El Camino Remix) We have been singing the praises of this guy for a little bit now and are beyond excited to see him bring his while boy soul to c-town.
[Opening for Passion Pit on March 30th @ HOB]

(mp3) Passion Pit - The Reeling (Calvin Harris Remix) They came and we never saw them multiple times last year - come on, you know these guys are just killing it, don't miss out like we have and see them do so live.
[Headlining @ HOB March 30th]

(mp3) Japandroids - Young Hearts Spark Fire They recently played in town at Now That's Class, but these distortion fueled Canadians are coming back to bring their melodies straight out of your favorite post hardcore daydream for all of us to enjoy.
[April 6th @ Grog Shop]

(mp3) Yeaysayer - Ambling Alp We love this song, as it's been in heavy rotation throughout the past couple months, sounding very 80's. They came to town a couple times last year, but not when they had yet released one of the most anticipated albums of year, Odd Blood.
[April 30th @ Grog Shop]

Note: Photo compliments of view-askew, taken prior to an Antony & the Johnson's show in (none other than) Brooklyn.

Shakira + Danzig = pure genius

A few months ago we came across the fabulous youtube video of Danzig singing with Shakira. It is hilarious and well done. We especially enjoy the incorporation of words that supposedly Spanish being sung by Danzig. If only the would really get together and cut a track ? That would be a truly amazing duet and in this age where Billy Corgan and Jessica Simpson are together it does not seem to far fetched. It is only a matter of time before one of their collaborations hits the net.

Sorry for the lack of posting. We had the holidays and then last week we were in Florida. We are going to be a doing a post about our 1st time in Miami soon. Until then enjoy

Goodbye Turner's Mill, Hello Rosewood Grill

When Turner's Mill closed a couple years ago, my family was not only shocked but saddened. This swanky yet inviting Hudson establishment had been one of our absolute favorites - whether it was to enjoy a drink while listening to live jazz music or to celebrate with an equally exquisite and comforting meal during a visit home from college.

It has seemed like a loong two years since Turner's Mill closed its doors, but *finally* a new restaurant has opened in its (almost non-recognizable) place: Rosewood Grill

Last week, it was quite obvious that I wasn't the only one anticipating Rosewood Grill's debut - after all, I happened to go on its very SECOND day of existence, and was welcomed to a packed house and over an hour wait. However, this was not necessarilly a bad thing because I was with close friends and this gave us the opportunity to soak in the classy and warm atmosphere of the bar. A completely new addition and absolutely beautiful - although crowded, it was somehow still comfortable, and the martini/wine/beer lists are impressive.

Upon being seated, we quickly ordered hors d'oeuvres - which proved to be a tough decision because everything sounded insanely delicious. We compromised on the calamari and flatbread w/ brie & caramelized onions. Both were surprisingly generous portions, each tasting superb - the calamari was especially a hit.

A downfall I cannot neglect to mention was the excessive delay to receive our entrees - however, we all reminded each other that the Rosewood Grill had only been open for two days (although by the way they were on top of nearly everything else, one would never have guessed!) and understandably were working out the timing of their kitchen and service. A definite bonus was, again, the atmosphere - the exposed brick of the dining area exuded coziness while the table settings and lighting were simply sophisticated.

My friends ordered the roasted chicken and lobster rolls (made with yogurt instead of mayo was the selling point) while I ordered an Asian chicken salad - all dishes were undeniably fantastic. Although, next time I'll be a lot more adventurous with my selection. . .

Overall - the Rosewood Grill is a restaurant I would highly recommend to those planning a night out with their friends as well as those craving a romantic date spot. This is also a place one could suggest to even the pickiest of diners (ie - my parents) - I have complete confidence that it will get even better with time*

Love This Shot of Downtown Cleveland

Today in our inbox we got this beautiful shot of downtown Cleveland during this holiday shared with us from the great organization known as the Downtown Cleveland Alliance. With the holiday season current in full swing we thought we would use this as opportunity to share some more one of our favorite holiday tunes.

(mp3) U2- Angel of Harlem

We were just watching U2 Rattle and Hum the other night, what an awesome film. They regularly played this song on that tour with B.B. King's Band. It is beyond awesome that during the film they had in studio session were they recorded this song at the legendary Sun Studios in Memphis Tennessee.

Top 5 Songs of The Week (Christmas In Our Inbox Edition)

photo courtesy of Cleveland Public Art

Being a music blogger this time of year is always interesting because bands are always doing Christmas covers and originals. It is great pleasure in listening to people's interpretations or even their own idea of what a Christmas/Holiday song means to them. This year is no exception recently we found in our inbox these goodies to share with you

5. (mp3) Middle Distance Runner - "Holiday (Be Good To Me)" These guys from D.C. bring us a happy pop tune about all the things they do not want to see go wrong during this holiday season.

4. (mp3) MoneyPenny - "Christmas Time Is Here" (Charlie Brown Cover) Duo of ladies hailing from The Windy City who make some choice dance electro tunes they will make you bounce. Check out their cover of this Charlie Brown classic.

3. (mp3) The Hush Now "Wishing You A Happy Christmas" straight out of Boston this party of five, make some of the catchiest indie nerd rock this side of Fountains of Wayne and Weezer. Here is some Christmas distortion for you!

2. (mp3) Jessie Baylin - "Mrs. Christmas"
Ms. Baylin is based out of Nashville, TN, she plays some pretty folk music and she recently got married to Nate Followill the drummer from The Kings of Leon.

1. (mp3) Harper Blynn - "Christmas Aint' No Good Without You" New york quartet they make music that is simply just... addictive. soul bearing classic rock styled compositions.

Fanfarlo is in the Giving Kind of Mood

Over the past 6 months we have been become big fans of the UK band, Fanfarlo. If you have been following our blog, you know we first posted about them in July, featuring their track "I'm a Pilot" in a mix before heading off to Taste of Tremont and then following up a few weeks later posting their beautiful cover of Smashing Pumpkins, "We Only Come out at Night".

Recently, we mentioned that Jose has been contributing to Ohio Authority and this month he chose none other than to write a review of Fanfarlo's most recent release, Reservoir.

Speaking of Fanfarlo, during this holiday season, the band has decided to get in the spirit of giving as they have a virtual advent calendar being showcased now through December 24th. Each day the band will be offering free mp3's, merchandise, and other goodies*

I Wish It Was Christmas Today

Watching Saturday Night Live and per usual it is just not that great. However there is some hope to see quality SNL in the future with their annual Holiday Special to be broadcast on this coming Thursday December 17th. There are many skits that we want to see on this special like "Schweddy Balls", "Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood", "The Night Hanukkah Harry Saved Christmas" and "I Wish It Was Christmas Today" . The last one being one of our favorite Christmas songs from this past decade. If you are not familiar with what we are talking about it you can watch it and refresh your memory.


via videosift.com

During this current holiday season it has to come to our attention that none other than Julian Casablancas lead singer of The Strokes has covered this song.With his version he has extended the length of the song and a some strokeish touches to it. Take a listen for yourself

(mp3) Julian Casablancas - I Wish It Was Christmas Today (SNL Cover)

Advanced Warning: The Hood Internet

Last week we were absolutely psyched to catch wind of the The Hood Internet show coming to town on January 21st - for what promises to be a great night at B-Side. Whether or not you happen to be in the know, do take note because this show is something you will undoubtedly want to mark your calendars for.

The Hood Internet are a duo from Chicago who have taken mash-ups to a level of some real ill art, just as Girl Talk does when it comes to his song creations. Yes, there are a lot of people doing mash-ups these days, but very few actually do this style justice. This is the kind of act that we will go enjoy and most likely stay out until 3am on school (well, work) night because we know that this is going to be a GOOD TIME.

To familiarize yourself, be sure to check out their recently released mixtape, The Hood Internet Mix Tape Vol 4, which you can download via their website for free. Experience their indescribable genius and simply listen for yourself.

Jose's Pick:
(mp3) The Hood Internet - Cult Logic Forever (Drake ft. Kanye West & Lil Wayne vs Miike Snow) Beyond catchy!

Kelly's Pick:
(mp3) The Hood Internet - Number One (R. Kelly vs. Sally Shapiro, ft. Keri Hilson) Because it's nearly Christmas and SS is Kelly's biatch. A celebratory song with an almost Disney quality that somehow works "magic."