If you go...roseangel - Gordon Square Arts District

roseangel inhabits a space that has seen its share of restaurants come and go...LA Boca, Crazy Mac's/Cheddars, Snickers...all great restaurants, none of which were here to stay. roseangel is the latest restaurant to make a success of the busy corner on Detroit and W. 58th in the budding Gordon Square Arts District.

As we walked in the door, we were greeted with the sound of a lively atmosphere, the restaurant and bar area full of patrons. roseangel has done a fantastic job with the decor. The walls are burnt orange, inviting and relaxing. There is a minimalistic approach that works well, the space feels like it flows relatively well. The bathrooms are clean and consistent with the dark ambiance. All in all, it's an ideal environment for friends, family or a date. 

The hostesses did not share in the liveliness of the venue and created a few tense moments due to lack of experience, or possibly, critical thinking skills. The first hostess to greet us did not seem very comfortable with her job duties. Upon indicating we did not want to experience the patio seating on a very hot and humid night, she needed to 'check on seating'. This caused her to disappear into the back for multiple minutes. Our party of three sat around looking at each other waiting for the hostess to come back. Another woman looked at us but did not assist as a party of two came in behind us. Upon seating them at a four-top table, she finally got back around to us asking if we needed help. We indicated someone had possibly been helping us but she disappeared. We were then seated at a high top small table in the bar area with a great view of all the happenings on Detroit Ave. The hostess finally returned stating she was not ignoring us but had to first seat another table. Confusing to say the least but at least we were seated.Despite the confusion and wait there may have been too many hostesses, muddling duties. After we were seated it took a while for our waters to be filled, as the hostesses stood around that station idly chatting. It took a waiter walking by and alerting our hostess that we needed water. As she filled our waters she also tried to take our drink orders, at this point, her demeanor, lack of critical thinking and vocal tone were enough and we elected to just wait for our server.

From there, everything went pretty smoothly. roseangel is a taquería and the menu, while concise, has ample offerings for the carnivore, vegetarian or pescitarian.  We elected to begin with red wine sangria, $27/pitcher. The sangria was relatively tasty, but not expertly made. For dinner, our table elected to go with the Chef's Whim, a 4-course meal for $18/person. We debated on an appetizer, and our server was not of much help, instead of guiding us through the AMPLE food we were to receive she just let us mull through it. While I appreciate a server not pushing options down diners throats, I also ask for advise because I want an honest opinion or feedback and if you are not up to speed on your restaurants offerings, training should be done before being let loose on the floor. However, having said that, our server was very nice and relatively attentive to us through our meal.

Like most chef dinners the table has to agree on the meat, or lack thereof, and the chef goes from there. The first course was chips and salsa. The chips, while I could not tell if they were homemade, were crisp and delicious. We received guacamole, pineapple and roasted chile, and tomatillo. All three were delicious. From there we had a basic salad which was good but nothing overtly eye or taste bud popping. The next course was veggie tacos with the same salsas (slighly disappointing as I would have liked to try others), fresh, thick corn tortillas, fresh cilantro and picked onions. There was a lot of food, enough for us each to have multiple tacos. From there were were stuffed and still had not received our desserts. We had them hold off on the deserts for about 30 minutes. The restaurant and staff was not pushy with us to get out the door and let us digest with our cocktails, all of which were delicious. When we did get our desserts there was Caramel Custard and two slices of Mango Cheesecake. The desserts were fantastic. The custard was just the right consistency, the cheesecake perfect. Although we only made it through a few bites of each, the desserts are worth it. If you elect to do the Chef's whim bring your appetite and a willingness to meet the chef. He came out a few times through our meal to ensure we liked what we were eating and enjoying the meal - it was a welcome personal touch.

Overall, roseangel was a great experience. As I pass by the restaurant on my bike there appears to be a constant flow of patrons. The food is great, the drinks pretty solid and as this restaurant gets comfortable in its  neighborhood I am sure the hostess issues will be tweaked and refined.

A little shameless promotion

As you may or may not know, I am heavily involved with the Junior League of Cleveland. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the organization we are basically a women's organization, nearing our centennial, who's primary focus is to help enrich the lives of Clevelanders through philanthropy and more importantly various key community projects that help some of the neediest citizens in Cleveland.

There are many ways in which we contribute to Cleveland, whether it be through helping restore the Playhouse Theatre, saving it from demolition, facilitating Healthy Kids initiatives at the Cleveland Children's Museum or volunteering at Huron Hospital's Storks Nest, the Junior League of Cleveland is an integral part of the community.

The Junior League of Cleveland currently has two initiatives that can benefit from the participation of everyone in the community.

The first is the annual fundraiser. This fundraiser helps support not only the Junior League but also helps fund the various initiatives we participate in throughout the Greater Cleveland Area. This year, the second annual event will be held May 7, 2010 at the Shoreby Club in Bratenahl from 6-11 p.m. There will be gaming tables, racing, silent auction and a wine raffle.

For more event information and tickets please visit: http://bit.ly/JLC_fundraiser. Tickets are $45 through the end of February and go up $5 each month so buy them early!

The other amazing initiative that needs immediate help and is of no cost. The Saturday Morning Tutoring Program NEEDS your help

Every Saturday, over 100 Cleveland area students, grades K-12, are in need of tutoring. While dozens of tutors are available each Sunday, there are never enough to match the demand of the students. You need NO experience, just a willingness to help out the wonderful children of Cleveland. If you have never tutored before, all it takes is a 45 min. on-the-job training and you are ready to go. I promise it is an extremely rewarding and fun experience!

The tutoring takes place every Saturday from 10a-12p at Church of the Covenant on Euclid in University Circle.

For more information please visit: http://tutor_me.tripod.com/

You do not need to RSVP ahead of time, just show up.

For information on anything I outlined above please drop me a line. I am passionate about improving Cleveland and know you are too!

The world from a different perspective

We don't always have an opportunity to view the world from different angles, but Cleveland will have an opportunity to view the river and the Ohio City/downtown connection from down under. The lower lever of the Detroit-Superior Bridge will be hosting a free event Sept. 25-26 all in the name of art.

According to their site:
The Cleveland Festival of Art and Technology, “Ingenuity” will expand beyond its weekend summer festival and transform one of the most fascinating under-used urban spaces in the City into a center of art and performance on September 25 and 26, 2009. The streetcar level spans approximately one mile and includes, at the west end, a series of archways and rooms that will be animated by art installations, exhibits and performances. Key personnel include Director James Levin, KSU Urban Design Planner and Pop-Up City Director Terry Schwarz.

Ingenuity will venture out of its Public Square – PlayhouseSquare district and explore an urban space that lies central to Cleveland with spectacular views of downtown, the Cuyahoga River, the Flats, Lake Erie: the streetcar level of the Detroit Superior Bridge, immediately below and parallel to the vehicular level. Ingenuity will transform this span, about 50 feet wide in most sections, almost a mile long, with fabulous nooks, crannies, tunnels and cisterns at both the east and west ends, with art installations, exhibits and performances, many involving technology.

This experience will take place Friday September 25, opening at 4 pm, closing at midnight and continue Saturday September 26, from noon to midnight. It will be free to the public and include arts and crafts vendors, food and beverage vendors (including beer and wine), buskers and solo performers positioned across the great span of the bridge with the more complex installations and performances taking place at either end. The event will include, as at all Ingenuity events, most exhibits and performances are family friendly and each night closes with a musical event.

If you want to see Cleveland in a perspective that is often limited to city workers or bold urban explorers, this event should prove both fun and informative!

Unique wares through local artists - Made in the 216

Are you looking for unique house items, clothing or gifts? This weekend marks the third 'Made in the 216 event hosted by Room Service's Danielle DuBoe. This event takes place in and around Room Service on W. 65th and Detroit.

You will be surrounded by local artists, 41 to be exact, along with local bakeries, restaurants and bands all vying to show you what is unique and special about the 216.

I attended the November event and it was fantastic. Many locally themed gifts to be had including t-shirts, cards and coasters...just a small spattering of unique finds to be had.

Details:

A Shopping Celebration
When: 4-9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Shopping in and around Room Service, 6505 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, with musical acts, food and drink. Afterward, three bands per night will perform and raffles will be held beginning at 9 p.m. at the Happy Dog bar, 5801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland.
Details: 216-281-4221 orroomservicecleveland.com.

when your sweet tooth calls, answer

m not a huge sweets person, but do enjoy an occassional indulgence. Today was one of those days. At the suggestion of Carly Litwiler, we headed to A Cookie and a Cupcake in Tremont. This was my first time inside the cute, pink storefront I have often driven past. As you walk in, your eyes are presented with a display case chock full of different cupcakes and other delectable treats. Carly stuck with chocolate and I chose Lemon, just two of many choices.

Owners Wendy Thompson and Syndee Klingenberg make a mean cupcake. The cupcake is moist and fresh with homemade, well paired ingredients. They use real fruit as filling and the cupcakes look as good as they taste. The cupcakes are a little steep at $2.50 each, but the indulgence is worth the price.

If you are looking for homemade sweets that look as unique as they taste, A Cookie and a Cupcake is just the place. Stop in the next time you are in the neighborhood!

2173 Professor Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
216.344.9433
Contact@acookieandacupcake.com
11am - 7pm Tues. - Sat.
11am - 5pm Sun.

Cleveland 20/30 Club - A way for young professionals to connect

The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club is a non-profit organization created to retain Young Professionals in Greater Cleveland by providing events focused on both personal and professional development.

The Club offers Educational events including speakers and presentations, Networking events, Philanthropic opportunities and Social events.

The club puts on a variety of events to help young professionals network, explore their city and become involved in the community.

Their recruitment event is quickly approaching. This year it is at the Market Cafe and Wine Bar, located just a couple blocks from the Penton Bldg. The Market Cafe and Wine Bar is a newer addition to Cleveland and is focused on serving local, sustainable food.

If you are interested in breaking the rut of only knowing PR Newswire employees, wanting to meet other like minded professionals or hanging out with people at a super sweet wine bar, this may be the event for you!

Event Details
What: Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club recruitment event
When: Thursday, March 12 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Where: Market Cafe and Wine Bar - AmTrust Bldg. 1801 E. 9th St. Cleveland 44114