DESTINATION CLEVELAND
TERMINAL TOWER - ARTICLE
TITLE: BEHOLD, A CITY ON THE RISE.
SUBH: THE TERMINAL TOWER OBSERVATION DECK
COPY:
50 Public Square. The absolute center of Cleveland. A granite and limestone symbol of a city’s rise to prominence stands alone.
The Terminal Tower.
Built in the 1920s, it was the tallest building in the United States outside of New York until 1964. Soaring 52-stories high, it has been Cleveland’s most iconic, most beloved landmark for 80 years.
Take the elevators 42-stories up and you arrive at The Terminal Tower Observation Deck. Even after a dramatic transformation that included the best in modern technologies, the Observation Deck looks much like it did in 1929, with many of the original features painstakingly recreated or restored.
For a mere $5.00, here’s where you enjoy stunning 360-degree views. To the north, see boats of every kind bounce along on shimmering Lake Erie, new hotels rising and home to the Cleveland Browns. Eastward in the distance, observe some of the most acclaimed medical centers in the world and aspiring church spires in old, stately communities. Look south and take in the West Side Market and its adjoining rejuvenated neighborhoods, Progressive Field and the Flats being rebuilt on the Cuyahoga River. To the west, survey gorgeous beach parks, tree-lined streets and an endless lakeshore.
On a clear day, you can see for 30 miles. On any day, you’re in a beautiful old building that’s bearing witness, once again, to a city on the rise.
Experience Cleveland's breathtaking views, between April 18 and December 20, 2015. Tours are $5 and available by reservation on Saturdays 12pm to 5pm & Sundays 12pm to 4pm. To purchase tickets and reserve your tour time, click on the link below. Based on availability, same day tickets may be purchased from the Tower City Center Guest Services desk. The primary entrance to Tower City Center is located on Downtown Cleveland's Public Square.
Reserve your tour today at https://www.eventbrite.com/
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L’ALBATROS - ARTICLE
TITLE: L’ALBATROS BRASSERIE + BAR
SUBH: IN CLEVELAND’S MUSEUM DISTRICT, A MASTERPIECE
COPY:
Monet. Matisse. Renoir. Degas. In one period of painting alone, France dazzled the world with a magnificent feast for the eyes. Now, consider the culinary influence of France’s entire history, a history with a love of food and wine profoundly unparalleled: pate’, cassoulet, bouillabaisse, coq au vin, baguettes, croissants, fromage, burgundy, chardonnay choucroute garni, beef bourguignon and on and on and on.
Thankfully, that influence was felt strongly by renowned chef and Cleveland restaurateur, Zack Bruell, in his sublime salute to France, L’Albatros.
Let’s paint a picture. An old carriage house nestled away from the road quietly waits. You enter. Immediately, the spirit of the place embraces you. The lighting is cozy. The aroma is wonderful. To your right, a small open-air kitchen is bustling in silent intensity. It is warm. In every sense of the word.
You are led your table by a gracious and efficient host. Promptly, water, bread and olive oil are before you. The décor is minimalist, the effect is anything but. Exposed brick and whitewashed brick, along with comforting shades of creamy white and warm grey create a sophisticated calm. The menu is classics-centric rendered by Chef Bruell in bold, masterful strokes. http://albatrosbrasserie.com/le-menu/dinner/
The hors d’oeuvres offer many exquisite options such as terrines, escargot, oysters on the half shell and a charcuterie platter. Salad selections abound on a spectrum from the traditional to the singular - the watercress “Caesar” with white anchovies, parmesan cheese and large caper berries explodes with flavor. For entrees, you can journey the entire expanse of France: the rich cassoulet features lamb, duck confit, pork belly and sausages; seared sea scallops arrive atop shaved Brussels sprouts, house made noodles and Pernod cream; and the veal short rib is paired with mushroom risotto and veal jus. Wherever you decide to venture on this menu, you’ll discover it is all executed with a fierce passion for the finest.
They say certain restaurants have an atmosphere, a vibe. This place has something deeper, something no architect or interior decorator could ever create, something that leaves you feeling peaceful and grateful.
L’Albatros has a soul.
L’Albatros Brasseries + Bar
11401 Bellflower Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
216.791.7880
http://albatrosbrasserie.com/
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MAMA SANTA’S - ARTICLE
TITLE: A TASTE OF SUNNY SICILY.
SUBH: HANDMADE, HOMEMADE IN LITTLE ITALY.
COPY:
1900. Ellis Island, New York. A line of immigrants forms. They are weary and wary. They wait. The homes they’ve left behind are miles away in sunny Southern Italy – Sicily, Abruzzo, Campania, Calabria. They bring their culture. Their work ethic. Their kitchen traditions. They will start their new lives in our Eastern cities. Their most valuable possession is hope.
Fast forward to 1965 or 1985 or today. Another line forms. It is filled with nurses, professors, families and students from all over the world on daddy’s dime. They wait. But they are happy in hungry anticipation. The line is out the door of Mama Santa’s restaurant in Cleveland’s Little Italy.
In 1961, a hope was realized when Guido and Nancy Scaffidi opened Mama Santa’s. In every year since, Cleveland has dined on the finest of Sicilian fare. Cannelloni. Manicotti. Cavatelli and Meatballs. Veal Parmigiana. Chicken Cacciatore. And pizza, glorious, award-winning, addicted-for-life pizza. This is the food that satisfies more than hunger. This is nourishment on another level.
Named in honor of Nancy's mother, Santa Ignazzito, Mama Santa’s is in the heart of a vibrant, always-bustling Little Italy. The family atmosphere is just as a mama would want it. Warm. Relaxed. Make yourself at home. If you’re not already a regular, join the thousands and thousands of very-satisfied Clevelanders who are.
There may be a line. But it’s worth the wait.
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NIGHTTOWN 50TH ANNIVERSARY - ARTICLE
TITLE: A CLEVELAND LANDMARK TURNS 50. AND ALL THAT JAZZ.
SUBH: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, NIGHTTOWN.
COPY:
Expertly played jazz from a piano wafts through intimate, eclectically decorated rooms mingling with the smell of seafood.
The clink and clang of plates, glasses and silverware is the soundtrack to the hustle and flash of a ready wait staff.
A jovial, raucous cacophony of clapping, conversation and laughter accompanies it all.
Doctors, lawyers and blue-collar bar flies are regulars. The orchestra crowd is here. Sports, politics and religion make their fist-pounding points at all 3 bars. A Juilliard trained trumpet player practices in the parking lot. Patrons of 30 years dine finely next to a shy, smartly dressed first date. Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Carhartt gather at a corner table. The band is about to play…
What an improvisation. Welcome to Nighttown.
For 50 years, it has been a warm, welcoming hangout for locals and the most discriminating jazz lovers. It’s where a perfectly poured pint of Guiness goes down just right with the Count Basie Orchestra. Where you can have your manhattan with The Manhattan Transfer. Where Nat King Cole’s brother Freddie croons while you tap your glass of cabernet.
It’s no wonder that Nighttown was on DownBeat’s list of The Best Jazz Clubs in the World. Yes, the world. It’s also no surprise that Nighttown’s owner, Brendan Ring, is the only restaurateur ever to be awarded the prestigious Cleveland Arts Prize.
Trendy. Traditional. Upscale. Down to earth. Irish. American. Cosmopolitan. Local. Stylish. Gritty. Hip. Smart.
And all that jazz.
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