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I know just about every Clevelander is more than happy to kick off the summer season this weekend, but how are you celebrating?

There are a couple of rib cook-offs starting this evening, but I’m sure most of us already knew that. The Marc’s Great American Rib Cook-off & Music Festival is at Time Warner Cable Amphitheater and Berea’s National Rib Cook-off is being held at the Cuyahoga Fairgrounds.

For lots more info on these, visit TisCleveland.com for the whole break-down and comparison of the two.

Greek Heritage Festival | Cleveland, OH | iCarabout.com

If rib cook-offs aren’t exactly what you’re thinking, but you still want something to do this weekend, why not try checking out the Greek Heritage Festival?  Starting tonight (Friday, May 28) the Greek Fest goes all 4 days of Memorial Day Weekend and is held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Tremont.

Annunciation, which is considered the mother church of Cleveland’s Greek community, has been preparing for this festival for months and you WON’T be disappointed. The freshest and most authentic Greek cuisine in CLE will there for the devouring…I just hope you’re not on a diet! There will also be live entertainment, jewelry, a flea market, church tours and Hellenic dancers.

Did I also mention that it’s FREE ADMISSION and FREE PARKING?

The hours of the Greek Heritage Festival are as follows:

Friday: 11am-midnight

Saturday: 11am-midnight

Sunday: 11am-midnight

Monday: noon-10pm

2187 West 14th Street :: Cleveland

For more information, visit http://www.annunciationcleveland.org

Still looking for something else to do this weekend? Well, my good friends at Reddstone in Battery Park are throwing their

Reddstone Memorial Day BBQ | Cleveland, OH | iCarabout.com

2nd annual free Memorial Day pig roast on Sunday, May 30th!!

Yea, you heard me right…FREE PIG ROAST!

The doors open at 3pm on Sunday and the party is rockin’ until close! If you’re thirsty, all you can drink drafts are $20 :: Mojito Pitchers are only $12 :: Buckets of 6 Coronas are just $8 :: Monster Bombs are $3/ea!!! This is a great deal if you want something super fun to do this Sunday and you don’t have a ton of money to spend.

There will also be live music performed by The Not So Good Ol’ Boys

1261 West 76th Street :: Battery Park :: Cleveland, OH

For more information, visit www.thereddstone.com

So, what are you going to do this weekend to kick-off the Cleveland summer right? Am I missing something that you’d like to share with everyone?

Leave it here and let everyone know what’s up!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve at LEAST heard talk of Momocho or that it was recently featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins & Dives”.  I’d been hearing amazing things for a while now, but watching Guy Fieri mow this glorious looking Mexican food from MY CITY on national television was the last straw…I HAD TO GET THERE.

I mean, seriously…I only dream about guacamole on a nightly basis.

Once I finally bugged Jason enough to come with me, we planned a mini-Thursday date night over to Ohio City to try this fantastic place  everyone was raving about.  I was a little nervous because I didn’t make reservations, but I figured that maybe we could scoop some seats at the bar if all else failed.  To be honest, I really enjoy eating at the bar anyways.

Momocho - Ohio City | cleveland.com | iCarabout.com

We walked into this cozy space, decorated with lots of antique memorabilia and set with dim lighting. It was the perfect vibe after walking through a typical bipolar March snowstorm in CLE.  Not only did Momocho smell phenomenal, but it was packed! I turned immediately to my right and to my surprise, I was standing face-to-face with the Chef/Owner Eric Williams (who I had just seen on TV!).  I got all nervous of course…I really wanted a picture with him but I hadn’t brought my good camera.  What really impressed me was that he was taking names and seating people! A very modest man, I could tell.

Anyways, he asked if we had reservations and since we didn’t, he told me he’d try to seat us ASAP.  Jason and I headed to the bar and were prepared to be waiting for quite a while.  We were pleasantly surprised to be called for a table after MAYBE 10 minutes of waiting. Not bad at all!

We sat and ordered the traditional guacamole to start…but I think next time I’ll try the sampler.  Momocho has ALL KINDS of delish guac combos to choose from! Even one with goat cheese  or smoked trout! I’m pretty sure we were both pleased with the traditional though, considering it didn’t last very long .  Then (per usual) we picked two entrees to share: The Machaca and the Hongo Taquitos. The Machaca was the coffee and ancho braised brisket featured on Food Network, so that was necessary. The Hongo was grilled portobello mushrooms.  Both were extremely delicious and served with different dips/salsa and corn tortillas.

Momocho - Ohio City | cleveland.com | iCarabout.com

I was seriously full after 1 1/2 taquitos and there was tons leftover. The machaca was exactly how Guy Fieri described it! I could really taste the ancho and the cinnamon that it was braised in. The food was fresh, tasty and hit the spot if you’re craving a modern twist on Mexican fare. The prices were  a little more than I’m used to for that type of cuisine, but then again I usually go to hole-in-the-wall restaurants for Mex.

Not only would I recommend Momocho, I’ll be visiting again and again…whenever my dreams of guacamole goodness return. Kudos to another fabulous Cleveland restaurant and Chef getting national recognition on Food Network. Eric Williams definitely deserves all the positive attention .

At Social Media Club Cleveland, I FINALLY met Kasey Crabtree, long-time radio DJ and fellow Cleveland-lover! She also loves music and was nice enough to give me some concert tickets to give away on iCarabout!

Now, I don’t know this band personally and I haven’t heard much of their music, BUT Kasey said they’re great!  If you like alternative rock and discovering local bands, then you’ll most likely enjoy VENDETTA POINT.  Plus, it’s always great to support the local talent in our great city of Cleveland! Am I right?

They’re playing at Peabody’s on Saturday, April 3.  I’ll give you all a little info about the band here, but I’m sure Kasey wouldn’t mind answering any questions you might have about their music either.

VENDETTA POINT

Vendetta Point | Peabody's Cleveland, OH | iCarabout.com

Kenneth Obloy- Vox/Guitars/Keys, James Skrtich- Guitars/Vox, Kenny Irizarry- Bass/Vox, Tony Castillo- Drums

the coming together of long time friends with common goals. Each of the members of Vendetta Point have spent years with various bands throughout the local scenes learning for the most part what not to do. This time around hopefully we can learn from all of our mistakes and move forward. Music is the answer. That is what Vendetta Point believes, just make good music and everything else will take care of itself (almost).”

Their hometown is Cleveland, OH –

Listen to Vendetta Point here

Vendetta Point on Facebook

Vendetta Point on Twitter

Now, if you’re not sure where Peabody’s is here’s the address:

2045 E 21st St
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 776-9999

I’ve also linked to their website here

This is a first come first serve giveaway and I have 6 tickets total! Just leave me a comment about why you want the tickets and how to contact you! Also, if you’re heard Vendetta Point and you’re a fan, please feel free to leave your opinions about the music for those who have not heard of them.

I’ll be giving away lots more tickets to all sorts of different concerts and shows in the future, so keep your eyes pealed! Oh, and GO LOCAL CLEVELAND MUSICA!

I’m pretty sure that when Monday night rolls around, most of us aren’t really looking for a crazy night out.  At least I know Jason and I are not! Plus, most of us have spent enough money going out over the past weekend and really aren’t looking to blow a lot more dough.

BUT that doesn’t mean that a Monday date night is a bust!  Have you ever visited Cedar Lee Theatre for their $5 Monday Movie Nights?

Umm, yes…total winner right here. You can’t even see a movie for that cheap during a matinée! (Or can you? I haven’t been to a movie that early in years).  Plus, its the perfect “chill” atmosphere for a date early in the week, and cure for “a case of the Mondays” !

Cedar Lee Theatre | Cleveland OH | iCarabout.com

Added bonus: They show a lot of indie films that aren’t shown at many other theaters in Cleveland.  But, they certainly aren’t limited to just those flicks either. Cedar Lee has more well known movies too! For instance, I saw Slumdog Millionaire there when it first came out.

So, I’ve known about this not-so-well-kept secret in Cleveland for a while (I lived in CLE Heights), but Jason had never been! Plus, he loves Jeff Bridges (THE DUDE!) and wanted to see Crazy Heart.  We were pleased to see that they offered very convenient show times, so we picked the 9:40pm one (latest showing).  Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, I forgot that they served beer and wine! Nothing is better than being about to bring your favorite local beer into a great movie!

We grabbed our drinks, headed into the movie, all the while appreciating the old/antique vibe of the theater itself. Long story short, it was a great show and an even better Monday date night activity! If you haven’t taken advantage of this East-side treasure, please do soon. You can also follow @CedarLeeTheatre on twitter and hear about their daily deals and such!

Jason and I will be back for sure. Especially since he mentioned that it would be an awesome Monday tradition to start.

Tavern Co. | Cleveland OH | iCarabout.com | Metromix CLE

One last thing, if you’re looking for cheaper, tasty eats BEFORE your flick in the Cedar Lee District, try Tavern Co.  It’s just down the street and they have a $5 Burger & Beer Monday special that ROCKS! You’ll never believe what you get for just five bucks…seriously. Check it out!

There are TONS of things us Clevelanders can boast about our city.  At the top of that list is, of course, our theatre district, talent and arts! Well, thanks to The Cleveland Play House, I got to experience this amazing part of Cleveland. 

This past week, Jason and I were looking for a fun date night idea for Friday. Something new, fun and supportive of the culture of CLE. It just so happens that I was lucky enough to score some tickets to “Emma” at The Cleveland Play House. Now, I don’t know how many of you venture out to the East side of Cleveland for a night out on the town, but I recommend you try it soon. Other than the traffic being consistently annoying, that area has SO MUCH TO OFFER!

The Cleveland Play House | iCarabout.com

So, with our tickets in hand, Jason and I set out to find a new restaurant to explore in Cleveland Heights before the show. We both decided on Taste and I think I can honestly say that we were BOTH very glad we did. The restaurant itself had super-chic styling and it made you feel like you needed to be on a list to get inside (but in a good way). The staff was warm, friendly and personable, which balanced that “exclusive” feel. We struck up a conversation with our waitress right off the bat and mentioned that we had a show to catch.  Even though we were in a hurry, she didn’t make us feel rushed at all.  The food came out fast, and MY GOD, was it tasty. Jason and I both picked the specials of the evening: Grilled Tuna and the Rib-eye Steak. One thing I noticed was that the taste of the steak and tuna weren’t covered up by an overwhelming sauce or spice. Both were cooked perfectly with complimentary flavors, creating the perfect balance for your palette. I even have to admit a FAIL on my part. I was really excited to get a shot of the food for you guys, but when it got to the table my desire to devour it overcame the excitement to get the picture. LOL. 

Taste Restaurant | Cleveland OH | iCarabout.com

By the way, Taste also has a PHENOMENAL wine/champagne list. What’s even better than that? A KNOWLEDGEABLE staff to come a long with it. I love tasting new wines, but do I know all about them? NOPE! Taste’s staff new ever description to the “T” and I couldn’t help overhearing the waitress talk about the selections with passion and great understanding.  And double plus (in my book at least), they’re also utilizing social media to reach their diners. Check out Taste on facebook. 

Taste Restaurant | Cleveland OH | iCarabout.com

After our extremely satisfying feast, Jason and I rolled over to The Cleveland Play House to catch “Emma”. I have to admit, I really didn’t know the story that well before we got there, but honestly, it didn’t matter!  The show was so cute, the cast was engaging, funny and just awesome. The story was also pretty easy to follow for someone with hardly any future knowledge. It reminded me just a little of “Pride and Prejudice”, which I love, and is also a novel by the same author, Jane Austen. It wasn’t too “girlie” or “romantic” either. It was more like a witty, romantic comedy, and very man-friendly. (In other words, your BF won’t be snoring through it).

I’m no “play critic” by ANY MEANS, but I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I think Jason and I may have been the youngest couple there, which is a shame. We had a blast and would definitely recommend enjoying the theatre art talents of our city to anyone of any age. It’s truly a tremendous feeling to watch live show with actors who you can see the passion pouring out of. Plus, how many movies to we sit and watch? I mean, it’s SUCH a different experience to be engaged in a live show. 

The Cleveland Play House | Cleveland OH | iCarabout.com

What makes it even better, they serve cocktails that you can bring into the show! Yep! We were very excited about that! Besides, not too many movie theaters offer up that luxury.  (Not that we needed to get tipsy to enjoy the show)

So, PLEASE, try spicing up your date night with a little homegrown talent and culture at The Cleveland Play House. Oh, and why not try checking out some fun spots on the East side?  I mean, if you listen to me, you already have a fantastic restaurant to try and an engaging, fun, activity. What do you have to lose? 

PS. Cleveland Play House is ALSO on twitter (MAD PROPS FOR THAT) and it was how I originally learned about the show. Once again, social media working for you!