Cleveland

Last weekend, I drove up to Cleveland to spend some time with Chris and check out where he's been spending his summer.  It was blazing hot that weekend so spending time out of doors was limited (although we did get to run in Rocky River).  We also checked out a few resturants and neighborhoods while in town, starting with Lolita.  Lolita is a Michael Symon (Iron Chef on the Food Network) restaurant and so I was excited to try it.  Lolita is located in the Tremont area of Cleveland and is known for being a great urban neighborhood for young professionals.   

We started with bread, really crusty bread.

I ordered sides and appetizers, staring with muscles with chorizo (spicy sausage)

And duck fat potatoes

And Brussel spouts with anchovies and capers

Chris ordered Gnocchi with braised lamb

Chris, enjoying the pototoes

The dessert menu...which we were too full to try

 Overall, the atmosphere was great and the waitstaff very attentive but I was a little disappointed in the food.  I think maybe my expectations were too high because of Michael Symon's reputation.  I felt the same way a few years ago when we went to The Lady and Son's in Savannah (a Paula Deen restaurant). 

Interesting fact about our hotel room in Crocker Park, the Olympic torch was a guest!

 On Saturday, we started our day with a 3 mile run along the Rocky River and then to a local bakery for breakfast (pastry and coffee)

 Then we met old Army friends, Brian and Ellie and their new daughter Marin at another Michael Symon place, BSpot Burgers.  It was so good to catch up with old friends and see where life is taking them!  After our lunch and a stroll around the Crocker Park outdoor mall, we headed to Ohio City for their outdoor market and some local beers (and a chance to watch the OSU/Akron game) at Market Garden Brewery.   

Loved the sign behind the bar

The menu at Market Garden Brewery, printed like an old newspaper

My beer/lemonade combo

The brewery

After that, it was time to hit the road to NW Ohio because we had a baby shower to throw the next day, but that's a whole blog post of it's own :)  Overall, I enjoyed the time spent with Chris exploring a new city but for now, I'm happy where we are.