Catchy song that speaks that truth

It's a Tuesday night that feels like it could be any night of this past glorious summer. This song we are going to share with you is not specific to any season but the fashion trends depicted definitely are more in the line with the cold weather that we hopefully do not experience for a few more weeks. Long live Indian Summer.

A Pumpkin Ale that is a Beer and not a Dessert

 Lately we have been enjoying some great beers from Portsmouth, New Hampshire's Smuttynose Breweing Co., as they are now distributing in Cleveland. We have been hooked after sampling the goods at this year's Blues & Brews (see our recap from a couple years ago) at Stan Hywet Gardens and continue to see what Smuttynose has to offer by purchasing a variety of their creations at Heinen's.

(picture courtesy of Smuttynose Brewery)

This evening, after finally seeing Inception, we stopped by Heinen's and amoungst the many offerings of pumpkin ales and/or Octoberfest styles, ultimately deciding to purchase the Pumpkin Ale from Smuttynose ($8.99 for a 6-pack) - because we have not had a less than superb beer from them yet.  Thus far, we have quickly and gleefully gulped down Smuttynose's Big A IPA, Finestkind IPA (highly suggested!), and Farmhouse Ale.

We love the fact that Smuttynose's Pumpkin Ale resisted the urge to be over-powering, tasting of sweet things like molasses or coriander.  Instead, the beer encompasses a savory element - a nice balance between cinnamon and the smoothness of pumpkin pureee.  Atypical of what one might expect from a  Pumpkin Ale, this is not a dessert where the essence of the pumpkin it not taken literally, where the beer does not slug your tastebuds like some of the others.

Basically, this pumpkin ale is what we hope our autumn months will feel like - calm, serene, welcoming, and far from overwhelming* 

Bonus: What is better than having music to enjoy while drinking some fall-inspired brews?!  So, here you go  ;)


[Mp3] Land of Talk - Quarry Hymns
[Mp3] Villagers - Becoming a Jackal
[Mp3] Menomena - Queen Black Acid

Have a wonderful Holiday Weekend everyone!

O'Fallon 5 Day IPA: Proof that a Smooth Drinking IPA is not an Oxymoron

It's always difficult when you have your favorite seller of beers and you see a different one that sounds great and tempts you, but if you never heard of the brewery you might be skeptic like us, but so is true with indie rock often the best bands (er, beers) are yet to be discovered.

Case and point: O'Fallon 5 Day IPA.  Smooth IPA might seem like an oxymoron, but that's what this is - nice amber color, very drinkable, nice with cheese (we're enjoying with a Savoie from Heinen's), lighter style, winning best St. Louis beer in 2008.  Much better than some other brewery also based in Missouri, whom we won't mention.

For those not fans of the hop, embrace a local jam maker - for us, we purchased a lovely "Train Wreck Everyberry Jam" via Lyons Market (located in Garrettsville, OH yet can bet purchased at your local Heinen's) that adequately balances and compliments the bitterness.

When served closer at room temp, the IPA tastes closer to something more familiar - these hops are never going to knock you out like something from Hop Devil, Hopslam, or Hopback.  However, this is most definitely the perfect beer to introduce somebody to hops with*

Bonus: While creating this post, in addition to being fueled by the ingredients above, the soundtrack was provided by (the pretty much always amazing) Arcade Fire. We strongly endorse this track from their new album, The Suburbs, out NOW.

{mp3} Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)

Enjoy!  And have a wonderful weekend  :)

Can you feel this tranquility?

This was the first image I saw this morning as I stepped outside to head to the gym. Thought it was worth taking a picture of even it was just with my blackberry. Instantly upon viewing the clouds in this formation The Orb classic 'Little Fluffy Clouds" popped in my head as I  completed my walk. You all probably remember it from when it was used in v-dub ad back about 10 years ago. When I used to be in my "raver phase" I used to love to listen to stuff like this, Moby, Fluke, Keoki, Chemical Brothers etc. This is the shorter version, the original house version of this track is like 8+ minutes in length. Still a nice song to help you easw into your morning as we slowly transition from summer to fall. Here is hoping to an Indian Summer this Fall!


(mp3) The Orb - Little Fluffy Clouds

Win Two Tickets: Grace Potter & The Nocturnals THIS Saturday, June 19th

Who adores Grace Potter & The Nocturnals? Well, not only are you in luck because they are coming through Cleveland this coming Saturday, June 19th to The Beachland Ballroom - but also because we happen to be giving away two tickets to the show :)

All you have to do to enter to win is post a comment and give your own interpretation of their sound - the one that is closest to our personal opinion (or perhaps {ahem} even better) will be awarded the tickets*

Check out the below video and download this undeniably catchy track

{Mp3} Tiny Light - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

And let us know your thoughts!

Monday Night Epiphany

Recently, we've been kind of in love with listening to Sirius' online media player as opposed to doing our usual streaming of mp3's via Hype Machine.  This evening, Kelly decided to change it up from our usual Sirius XMU station to 1st Wave - where we've been enjoying some nice new wave jams, such as Echo and the Bunnymen, The Thompson Twins, The Smiths, Psychedelic Furs, etc. . .

So, when the jam "West End Girls" by The Pet Shop Boys started playing, it dawned on us that the synth driven stacatto like, almost rap-speak intermittent segments with singing on the chorus sounded mighty familiar to us.

[We racked our music brains and thus the epiphany occurred]

The truth had reared its ugly head - Flight of the Conchords quite obviously taken much inspiration from "West End Girls" for their "Inner City Pressure" track.

So be honest - is it just us???

Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls

Flight of the Conchords - Inner City Pressure

Tonight: Noche De Guayabera at Wall Eye Gallery

Who: You!

What: Good Latin Food, Wine, Music, and Art hosted by The Young Latino Network

Where: Wall Eye Gallery on 5304 Detroit Avenue (Cleveland)

When: TONIGHT!  [6pm - 10pm]

Why: Despite the fact that Jose is the President of The Young Latino Network, we need to do our part as Clevelanders to support the many Young Professional groups doing great things to brighten our community's future*

Hope to see you there  :)

Bonus:
{Mp3} BoomBaptist - Latin Love

Saturday Afternoon Battle

This past Saturday we (Kelly and I along with a few of our friends and some newly met acquaintances) went to the first ever Fathead's Brewery Heavyweight Brewers Battle. Most of the tasty libations on draft on this great Saturday were more than 8% alcohol.  It was a tough task for a Saturday afternoon, but we were more than ready to battle with these high alcohol beers.

Yes, we have been to quite a few beer tastings (ie - Brewzilla, Blues & Brews at Stan Hewett Gardens, et al), but never before did we look at the list and feel the need to proceed with caution  ;)

Jose getting knocked out by the Heavy Weight Mascot

A sold out crowd, giving it their all, battling to the last drop

Jennifer and Kelly were among a small number of ladies, nonetheless they were troopers and held their own

Below is a list of the delicious drafts made available to us. We went to the 1pm-4pm session - we highly doubt that all of these were available for the evening session!

Fat Head’s - Head Hunter (Draft; CASK) & Bean Me Up Coffee Stout
Rot Weizen & Battle Axe Baltic Porter
Buckeye - Aquarius DIPA*; Zatek Imperial Stout*
Cornerstone - Devil’s Advocate Barleywine; Evil Entity Black IPA
Willoughby - Apricot Ale; Pride of Willoughby Peanut Butter Porter
Brew Kettle - Cabo Wabo* Old #21 IPA; Tunguska Imperial Stout
Black Box - Javelin Rye; Crooked River ESB
Great Lakes - Wit’s End*; Lake Erie Monster DIPA
Rocky River - Hoptimus Prime IPA; Hell of a Bock Maibock
Thirsty Dog - Hoppin Dog Belgian Pale; Toil and Turmoil Imp Dubbe*
Indigo Imp - Gatekeeper Porter; Sour Gatekeeper*
Columbus Brewing - IPA; Creeper Barleywine*
Gordon Biersch - Maibock; Czech Pilsner
Pennsylvania Brewing - Zwickel Kaiser Pilsner; Maibock

Bear Republic - Crazy Ivan Belgian Blend*; Ryevalry Belg Rye IPA
Founder’s Double Dry Hop Centennial IPA (CASK)*; Double Trouble DIPA
Victory - Samragd Belgian Pale; Smokin Oats Smoked Oatmeal Porter*
Sierra Nevada - 2008 Bigfoot Barleywine*; Summerfest Lager
Bell’s - Third Coast Old Ale; Expedition Imperial Stout
Troegs - Sunshine Pilsner; Hop back Amber*
Stone - Old Guardian Barleywine* & Levitation Amber
New Holland - Imperial Mad Hatter IPA
Dogfish Head - Burton Baton*;  Raison d Etre
North Coast - Brother Thelonius Belgian; Red Seal APA

*denotes a beer we recommend you try

Two New Recipes That You'll Want To Try

This evening presented a rare break in our schedules, allowing us the opportunity to do something we hadn't done together in weeks. . .

Cook a fun little meal  :)

The inspiration for the recipes we chose to prepare was drawn from none other than two lovely local foodies whom we respect and enjoy their company: Heidi Robb and Michelle Venorsky (aka Cleveland Foodie)

After a conversation with Heidi regarding a recent purchase of a Donna Hay cookbook that was unknowingly written in Spanish (she was so taken by the beautiful photographs that she didn't notice that the recipes were not written in English), we were pleasantly reminded that we have quite a few Donna Hay magazines we somehow forget to peruse while brainstorming for recipe ideas.  As a result, we experienced no shortage of creativity while revisiting the breathtaking food photography contained within the pages of Donna Hay.

And, thus we arrived at the following delicately indulgent hors d'oeuvre:

Lemon and Zucchini Puffs

Note: Be careful while frying and don't try to burn down your place like Kelly nearly did


3 large zucchinis, shaved into ribbons (courgettes)
3 eggs
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves sliced thinly
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Oil for shallow frying
Sea salt and cracked pepper

Lemon Aoili
1/2 cup mayonaise (we forgot to buy, and simply used lemon and garlic, still fabulous)
2 tsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, crushed

Whisk mayo, lemon and garlic and set aside.

Combine zucchini, flour, eggs, mint and seasoning. Heat 1 cm oil (1/3 inch) in a large non stick frying pan. Add 2 tablespoonfuls and fry in batches until puffed and golden.

***
And, after reading Michelle's Quinoa post a little while back, we became very excited to not only try the Mark Bittman recipe but the following NYT recipe as well:

Baked Quinoa with Spinach and Cheese

1 6-ounce bag baby spinach

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 plump garlic cloves, minced

4 cups cooked quinoa, (1 cup uncooked)

2 large eggs

3 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (3/4 cup)

1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage

1 ounce Parmesan, grated (1/4 cup)

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Oil a 2-quart gratin or baking dish.

2. Heat a medium frying pan or a wide saucepan over medium-high heat. Wash the spinach and without spinning dry, add to the pan and wilt in the liquid left on the leaves after washing. You may have to do this in 2 batches. As soon as the spinach wilts, remove from the heat and rinse with cold water. Squeeze dry and chop. Set aside.

3. Wipe the pan dry and heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in it over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and stir with the onion until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the spinach and season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.

4. Beat the eggs in a large bowl and add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in the quinoa, the onion and spinach mixture, the Gruyère, and the sage. Add freshly ground pepper and stir the mixture together. Scrape into the gratin dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the top and drizzle on the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Place in the oven and bake until nicely browned on top, about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat, allow to sit for about 5 minutes, and serve. 

***
We are happy to say that both of these recipes will be repeated again very soon.  Each being versatile and unique, having potential to be easily incorporated within a variety of meals/occasions.  Also, it's always a nice bonus when you can enjoy something delicious while being healthy, low-cal, and meat free!

Not to mention, thanks to The Blisslist, we listened to several of her great playlists while whipping up this memorable meal  :)

This was yet another motivator to post a few tracks that have been getting non-stop spins in our household:

[Mp3] Lisa Papineau - White Leather Pants

[Mp3] Peasant - Well Alright

[Mp3] The Radio Dept - Heaven's On Fire

Enjoy!

Bell's Brewery Dinner @ The North End for Jose's Birthday!

On Tuesday night in honor of my Birthday (Jose) Kelly made reservations for us at The Bell's Brewery Dinner at The North End. She also invited a few of our friends out to come celebrate, drink some good beer and cheer on the cavs to a victory over the bulls. The meal was a delicious 6 course meal prepared by the very talented Chef Jeff Jarrett. The beers were paired expertly and served as a perfect compliment to bring out the best in each other.

first course      : Charcuterie/Cheese/Pretzels paired with Bell's Lager of The Lakes

second course : Citrus Mussels paired with Bell's Oberon Ale

third course      :Duck Nachos with Spicey Mole paired with Bell's Amber Ale

fourth course    : Pork Belly, smoked rice, and mushrooms paired with Bell's Consecrator Doppelbock

fifth course       : Bison Sliders with Onion Rings paired with Bell's Hopslam

sixth course      : Ding-Dongs paired with Bell's Expedition Stout

Bloggers on The Bridge!

Last weekend, as you may have noticed from an earlier post that, we had a lot in store for our Saturday. To recap the morning - basically, we woke up way earlier than on usual Saturdays (much to Kelly's dismay) and headed over to the Superior Viaduct to wait in the cold with several others (Room Service, I heart Cleveland, Kitten Kaboom, Cleveland Poet, Icarabout and Jason Murphy) where we all were battered by the wind before a woman from the county came up to let us in the bridge. 

Once inside, our host James Levin (Artistic Director and Founder of the Ingenuity Festival), took us on an hour long tour of the space that will be available to artists for this fall's Event. We also learned that they are making efforts to open the bridge permanently, which would ultimately allow artists to use this space year round as well as enabling pedestrians to utilize the bridge from downtown to easily access the West Side Market. While on our tour, we also got a little bit of history regarding the brief period in Cleveland where cable cars were in use on the former subway.

Below are some snapshots we took while exploring, as we imagined we were archeologists: 

ps - Following our tour, we were famished and in dire need of nourishment - since we were in the neighborhood, we thought we might as well hit up Latitude 41 for the first time.  We normally do not write about things we dislike, however, our experience left much to be desired (ie - the service and food were disappointing).  Needless to say, we will not be going back.  Curious as to how others feel about this place?

Note: The very top photo on the left was taken from Cleveland and It's Streetcars

Win Two Tickets to see The Apples in Stereo (April 27th at The Grog Shop)!

Are you in love with all of those beyond fantastic bands associated with the Elephant Six Collective like we are?  Taking the best of quirky indie rock and power pop, it's pretty difficult not to be.

One of our very favorites from that camp, known as none other than The Apples in Stereo, will be coming to Cleveland's Grog Shop this coming Tuesday, April 27th.

WIN TWO TICKETS by simply commenting with your thoughts about the following music video featuring Elijah Wood (who actually who owns the band's label, Simian Records-through Yep Roc):

The Apples in Stereo - Dance Floor

Also:  Download their single, "Dance Floor" [here]


Bonus:  The Generationals are the opening act, check out Jose's preview on Ohio Authority [here]

Drunk Girls On A Wednesday

A few weeks ago we first heard the new track "Drunk Girls" by LCD Soundsystem, we instantly thought well this is catchy and a little different for them. We also thought maybe they were trying write a catchy enough track that might earn them crossover $$.We could not help but conjure up images of this song being used as the backing track of party on Gossip Girl or on any of the number of shows on E! that feature drunk girls. We never envisioned a video like this. Just see for yourself these crazy pandas and all of the shenanigans that engage in our the perfect thing to help lighten the mood as you try trudge through this week and make to Friday. We thought we were not going to get into this track, but it is a real grower and we definitely think it is going on a mix for warmer weather in the upcoming months. The lyrics have a lot of truth in them if you listen close enough you will find yourself thinking keeping on preaching brother Murphy!

Saturday April 17th is going to be a good day

Hello everyone, it's been a couple of weeks and no time for excuses for the lack of posts. We went to Vampire Weekend in Columbus but we didn't take any pictures :(
but, you can read about our experience on Ohio Authority

We took a cooking class at The Viking Store that involved sustainable seafood. that was a lot of FUN we did take pictures of that class but Kelly has the camera down with her in Naples (she is on well deserved mini vacation with her sister and our friend Jackie)

Yesterday was not that spectacular of a day, went to work and the came home and cleaned and watched the masters. Yes that is nothing write about but the point is that this SATURDAY is something to write about because this how it goes:

1st. That morning we are going to be amongst a select group of bloggers (ICaraBout, Pursuit of Your Boyfriend, Room Service etc.) who are going to get a preview of this year's Ingenuity Festival. With a walking tour of the lower level of the Detroit Superior Bridge by none other than James Levin (founder and artistic director of the festival). We are looking fwd to seeing how this year's festival promises to be the bet one yet.

2nd.  On that day Music Saves and Blue Arrow Records along with all of the great stores (like Star Pop and Salty not Sweet)  over on Waterloo road in Collinwood will be participating in Record Store Day! with A Walk over Waterloo that afternoon featuring special promotions, performances and other goodies. (all of the info can be found on the Music Saves site). There are going to be some great performances by local bands including Lighthouse and The Whaler, Muttering Retreats, CloudNothings and others.

3rd. Then on Saturday evening we are going to be attending the Art Cares benefit for The Aids Taskforce of Greater Cleveland. I am on this year's host committee along with some other really cool people. We all strongly encourage you to attend if you can. There is going to be an art auction, food, drinks and misterbradleyp on the decks. The proceeds going to a great cause that is a very important organization in North East Ohio, There is a great article about this event from The Plain Dealer.

4th. After the benefit we plan on heading over to B-side to check out the DJ set from ?uestlove of The Roots. The Roots also just happen to be in town on Saturday night to participating in this year's Tri-C Jazzfest. If you never seen The Roots live you should. What you see from them on The Jimmy Fallon show is just the very tip of the explosiveness of their live performance.

Tonight: Bear Hands / We Were Promised Jetpacks

Who: Bear Hands open for We Were Promised Jetpacks

What: Rhythmic post punk meets Modest Mouse (BH) and Indie Rock with Scottish Balls (WWPJ) come together

Where: The Grog Shop

When: TONIGHT (doors open at 9pm - $10 adv. / $12 at door)

Why: A show not to be missed, find out why in Jose's Acts to Follow (via Ohio Authority) for March

Listen:

{Mp3} Bear Hands - What A Drag

{Mp3} We Were Promised Jetpacks - Quiet Little Voices

See you there!

Giveaway: Who Loves Hall & Oates, Bird and the Bee, & an AMAZING Tribute Album??

How can we start explaining how incredible this soon to be released album is. . .

On March 23rd, The Bird and the Bee's Interpreting The Masters Volume 1: A Tribute To Daryl Hall And John Oates will undoubtedly be shaking music lovers up, making some major waves.

An album that is not only nostalgic in all the right ways, but perfectly opportune for the resurgence of sunshine - each track more wonderfully danceable and fun than the next.

Case in Point:

{Mp3} The Bird and the Bee - Private Eyes

If you are as smitten as we are with the concept and/or the track above, then you'll be happy to know that we have two copies of this album to give away :)

You will automatically be entered by simply adding a comment about your most favorite Hall & Oates song and why you love it.

Update! Silly us, we forgot to mention when the contest ends. We will announce the winner tomorrow (Tuesday, March 23rd), in honor of the album's official release date.

Another Update! Winners are Erin and Heidi - please send me your home addresses, so we can have the album sent you!

Good Luck! xo

Top 5 Songs of The Week (Open That Bottle Night Edition)

It's been quite some time since we posted our Top Five Songs of the Week, and it's a shame because we've been listening to some absurdly good tracks lately. As the snow continues to fall and while Jose's perpetually stuck working long hours in the office, I am listening to the tranquil playlist below and planning a deliciously comforting dinner. Upon Jose's return home, I'm going to open a nice bottle of wine (it is Open That Bottle Night, after all) and have a couple recipes à la Barefoot Contessa cooking. . .he deserves it :)

For now, I hope you all enjoy the songs and stay warm this evening*

5. {Mp3} Dan Black - Symphonies A dynamic balance of smooth and bold beats, the synth chords and choir echoes work exceptionally well. You may or may not have heard the Kid Cudi remix, it's quite good but I prefer the original.

4. {Mp3} Beach House - 10 Mile Stereo The heart pumping drum beats rhythmically playing throughout are simply mesmerizing, the first time I heard this beyond gorgeous track I grew quiet and let myself soak in the intricately woven melodies. [Note: Catch Beach House at The Beachland Ballroom on June 17th!]

3. {Mp3} El Perro Del Mar - Shelter (xx cover) A match made in heaven, not only are El Perro Del Mar and the xx currently on tour together, but covering each other's songs. Pure amazingness.

2. {Mp3} The Bird and the Bee - She's Gone (Hall & Oates cover) Another match made in heaven, yet a very unlikely one. I cannot begin explaining how excited I was when The Bird and the Bee's soon-to-be released album, Interpreting the Masters, Vol. 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall & John Oates, was announced. Having the opportunity to listen to all the tracks (over and over and over. . .), all I can say is that you are all in for a treat.

1. {Mp3} jj - Let Go Alluring and delicate, calming and provocative. I just adore everything about this song, the video was just posted on youtube and perfectly reflects the music's emotions.

Tie.

1. {Mp3} Lali Puna - Remember If you need a pick me up, like I have been needing lately, this is the song for you. Complex layers of glitch and bass are highlighted by gentle vocals, which will undoubtedly lure you back for return listens. Lali Puna is one of my all-time favorite bands, and I'm happy to say they're finally coming out with a new album, Our Inventions, in late April.

[Cool lego photo above is compliments of the creative udronotto]

Our Foodie Venture in South Beach

Have you been tempted by or privy to South Beach's thriving food scene? Either way, we're going give you some reasons to be intrigued.

For those that do not know, the Food Network South Beach Food & Wine Festival is taking place this very week down in Miami's oh so vibrant South Beach neighborhood.

It just so happens that we found ourselves in the equally gorgeous and delicious South Beach last month while everyone else in Cleveland were getting dumped on by epic amounts of snow ;) This was our first visit to the crazy euro and foodie savvy area - needless to say, we totally wish that we were heading back down this week for the festivities and the culinary wonders that Miami has to offer.

We thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to recap some of our favorite eats since we had not yet done so:

Our first stop was at the incredible Michael's Genuine Food & Drink where their Crispy Pig Ears were one of the best "snacks" we've ever had - Kelly (as you might know) is not a big meat eater and she was loving and devouring every last morsel. Thankfully, this moment was documented.

The crispy rice cake was awesome, complimented artfully by Florida rock shrimp, chorizo, manchego and a fried organic egg.

For dessert we had the ooh soo yummy Tangerine Creamsicle Pots De Creme with cara cara orange confit and petite hot donuts - perfection.

The next afternoon we decided (upon the much appreciated recommendation by a kindred hipster spirit at Michael's) to hit up The Abbey Brewing Company, the only brewery in South Beach.

This place was an awesome little whole in the wall bar, with some serious beer, where people can bring their own food and the owner is super friendly.

After several beers we craving some comfort food. . .and, that is when we hit up a South Beach institution known as Pizza Rustica. After those beers this pizza was amazing. Those pieces of pizza in front of Jose that cover more than whole table are considered one freaking slice. We would kill someone to have this in Cleveland (well, Jose would at least).

After stuffing our faces at Pizza Rustica, we did not have nearly enough room in our stomachs for the beyond divine food that would be coming our way at SRA Martinez. The drinks here are top notch, it is no VTR but when a place has it's own separate drink menu and it's leather bound, you know they don't mess around when it comes to the art of cocktail.

You can create your own cheese spread, which won us over, and oh my gosh were those white sardines sooo delicious

These eggplant chips were lightly fried and drizzled with a rich, savory molasses. So simplistic and something we have been wanting to replicate ever since sampling.

Although Miami might seem like more bikini ready than foodie friendly, we definitely found ourselves enjoying the the restaurant and bar scene more-so than the beaches :) We'll undoubtedly be back soon*

What's On Tap Today: Bazaar Bizarre, Bruell, and Believeland!

With Valentine's day being tomorrow and happening to fall on a Sunday, we decided why not observe this "holiday" a day early, today. You may wonder why we wanted to move V-day up a day, well it's simply because there is LOTS of chill shiz going down today worth celebrating :) Before we start getting all mushy on you guys, we'll just leave it at that, for we certainly don't want to be accused of any EDA (aka Electronic Displays of Affection) or anything!

First off, this afternoon we are going to hit up the Valentine's Day Edition of Bazaar Bizaare, which will be held in the the space formerly occupied by the Bang and Clatter Theatre on Euclid Ave. We have had the pleasure of attending the Holiday Edition of Bazaar Bizaare a few times, but this is a 1st for V-day - we are definitely looking fwd to seeing what DIY goodies they are hawking.

After perusing Bazaar Bizarre, we couldn't have plan our location any better than to easily walk on over to Chinato for dinner. We both have been looking forward, in great anticipation to our first opportunity to dine at Zach Bruell's latest, located down on east 4th Street. We will admit that we initially wanted to make reservation at Chinato on V-day, but since they are not open tomorrow we decided to go today instead.

Once dinner we are finished with dinner, and perhaps a tasty cocktail while we're in the neighborhood at The Greenhouse Tavern, then it will be time to swing by our friend Steph's housewarming party in the Detrioit-Shoreway.

Our next highlight of this evening of firsts, is to check out local upstarts Cloud Nothings at Cleveland's newest venue, Believeland. This band, which is lead by 18 year old Dylan Baldi, have been creating quite a stir over the last few months in the world of music blogs everywhere (including a mention from none other than Stereogum). This is their last show in the area for a little bit as they will be bringing the music to the people of our nation and even down to this year's SXSW. You do not want to miss any of the hooks of this fuzz filled lo-fi pop driven band's songs - they are downright ridiculous.

(mp3) The Cloud Nothings - Can't Stay Awake

Hope to cross paths with some of you today - enjoy the weekend*

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.