CLEVELAND AUGUST 2013_Lima APR-08.R5-2 7/9/13 5:04 PM Page 56
Art, Culture, Dining, and More in… CLEVELAND by Matthew Wexler Photo: Rudy Balasko
56 PASSPORT I AUGUST 2013 CLEVELAND AUGUST 2013_Lima APR-08.R5-2 7/9/13 5:04 PM Page 57
AUGUST 2013 I PASSPORT 57 CLEVELAND AUGUST 2013_Lima APR-08.R5-2 7/9/13 5:04 PM Page 58
cleveland
grew up with a chip on my shoulder about Cleveland. Tired of sary, the West Side Market is an architectural wonder designed by Ben- defending my hometown from nomenclatures such as “the mis- jamin Hubbel and W. Dominick Benes. The soaring historic structure is take on the lake,” I eventually gave up and rolled my eyes as if home to more than 100 vendors that feature meats, cheeses, seafood, to say ‘It’s not that bad.’ Well the underdog of the Rust Belt has baked goods, and more. Wander among the stalls, grab a coffee and reinvented itself once again, this time poised to be an interna- homemade pastry, and head to the balcony for a picturesque view of the tionalI destination for culture, dining, and innovation. Watch out world, bustling action that becomes denser as the day wears on. Plan your visit Cleveland is back on the map. strategically, as the market is only open four days per week. Of course, ask any Clevelander and they will probably rattle off one Also worth a visit is Ohio City Farm, one of the country’s largest of the city’s various claims to fame. Perhaps it is the prized collection urban farms at nearly six acres and only a mile from downtown. The at the Cleveland Museum of Art, which opened in 1916, or the world- farm features a stand constructed of re-purposed Great Lakes cargo renowned Cleveland Orchestra. Maybe it is Playhouse Square, The shipping containers where you can see the bounty of the season’s har- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, or the Cleveland Indians, vest, as well as spectacular views of the city skyline. Browns, or Cavaliers—who no matter how much they win or lose, Ohio City is dotted with artisans of the non-culinary variety as well. attract record-breaking crowds to sporting events year round. Visit Mark Kaplan at the Glass Bubble Project for unique works of art What seems to be breaking the mold is not any singular institution that he refers to as “Clevetion Glass”—a far departure from the delicate or event, but rather a wide-eyed revelation—by locals and visitors Venetian glass from Italy. Using recycled metal and hand-blown glass, alike—acknowledging that there is a hell of a lot happening in this town the purposefully clunky and industrial pieces can be seen at commer- of less than 400,000 residents. For the LGBT community, the Gay cial properties throughout the city or you can register for a glass-blow- Games next year is another feather in the cap of a city whose rainbow ing workshop and create your own. plumage is also gaining international recognition. For a curated collection of Cleveland-inspired products and other Bisected by the curving Cuyahoga River, central Cleveland is home domestic goods, check out R/S Boutique, a charming home and to several thriving neighborhoods where a new generation is choosing design store founded by Danielle DeBoe in 2007. Signature items to live, work, and play. include The District Collection by Arterx, a series of graphic prints that celebrate the city’s urban landscape as well as printed apparel y exploration begins in Ohio City, Cleveland’s “artisan and concert posters by The Bubble Process. The creative forces neighborhood.” Founded in 1818 and an independent munic- behind Arterx and The Bubble Process represent the multi-faceted Mipality until 1854 when it was annexed to Cleveland, the area creative talent burgeoning in Cleveland. Both companies work in an still maintains the vestiges of that entrepreneurial spirit with its anchor unusually broad range of disciplines from advertising, product being The West Side Market. Recently celebrating its 100th anniver- design, and clothing to archival prints. To further celebrate and promote Cleveland’s can-do attitude, Ohio City Street Art DeBoe has put her background in film/TV production, interior design, and visual merchandising to good use to create the local-centric design event “Made in the 216” (inspired by Cleveland’s area code). The annu- al weekend celebration brings together both established as well as up- and-coming local retailers and artisans to showcase their work. The venue changes each year and a rotating roster of DJs maintain a pulsat- ing vibe. In addition, the R/S Boutique features a holiday pop-up shop within the store that launches on Black Friday and runs until New Year’s Eve, featuring a curated collection of locally manufactured products.
fter wandering in and out of a few more shops, I take a break for a much-needed sugar rush at the gay-owned Bonbon Pastry Aand Café. Originally opened as a wholesale bakery by pastry chef Courtney Bonning, whose pastries were so popular that she launched the café, which now offers her signature selection of baked goods that includes croissants, scones, monkey bread, as well as more decadent dessert pastries, such as chocolate eclairs, peanut butter trifle, and chocolate soufflé cake. Savory breakfast items like breakfast nachos are served all day and the European-style setting is the perfect spot for a recharge before exploring more of what Cleveland has to offer. If you want to have the full Ohio City experience, consider stay- ing at The Cleveland Hostel. Originally built by the Victor Tea Company then later converted to a furniture warehouse, the 10,000- square-foot property is now a hip minimalist destination for budget- conscious travelers. Mark Raymond founded the property and taps into his experience of traveling to more than 70 countries and his stays in 100 hostels worldwide. His Cleveland outpost features free Wi-Fi, bike rentals, and easy access to Ohio City offerings as well as
Photos by: Mathew Wexler public transportation.
58 PASSPORT I AUGUST 2013 CLEVELAND AUGUST 2013_Lima APR-08.R5-2 7/9/13 5:04 PM Page 59
cleveland Photo: Matthew Wexler For the LGBT community, the Gay Games next year is another feather in the cap of a city whose rainbow plumage is also gaining international recognition.
During this trip, I opt to stay at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland. during the skyscraper boom of the 1920s and 30s, the soaring structure While not the newest kid on the block (the Aloft Cleveland Downtown just is reminiscent of the beaux-arts Manhattan Municipal Building and opened and Kimpton Hotel Downtown Cleveland is projected to open in from its observation deck you can see up to 30 miles. time for the Gay Games next summer), the 22-year-old property offers the Ritz-Carlton signature service with a smile, panoramic views of Lake Erie f you plan on visiting during the spring, be sure to time your trip to and the Cuyahoga River, marble bathrooms, and a progressive food-and- coincide with the Cleveland International Film Festival, which beverage program spearheaded by Executive Chef Richard Arnoldi and Iscreens within the Tower City’s multiplex cinema. The Festival wel- Food and Beverage Manager Scot Shumaker. comes more than 93,000 visitors and shows approximately 180 films, Various packages are available to personalize your stay. “Be A Rock including a sidebar series dedicated to LGBT subject matter. I happen Star” pairs a relaxing stay featuring deluxe accommodations with a visit to catch a screening of James Franco’s Interior. Leather Bar and am to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and “rocktails”—mar- pleasantly surprised by the sold-out crowd ranging from curious tinis and cocktails inspired by a hit song from each year the hotel has straight couples to gay retirees in leather chaps. been open. For an insider’s look at Cleveland burgeoning farm-to-table If you’re more interested in gambling with your finances rather than scene, book the “Fresh Market” package that includes overnight accom- your wardrobe, be sure to visit Horseshoe Casino. I have mixed emotions modations, breakfast with the chef, and a personalized trip to the West as I approach the $350 million casino that opened in May 2012, as the Side Market followed by a private cooking lesson with the chef and lunch casino embodies what was once the historic Higbee Building—one of the at Muse restaurant. For a gay-specific itinerary, be sure to consult with most glorious department stores of its time. It was a tradition for many the property’s Catering Sales Manager Hollie Ksiezyk, who also happens families (including my own) to head downtown for the store’s annual to be the board co-chair of the forthcoming Gay Games. spring indoor barn display. As a child, I would emerge giddy with laugh- The Ritz-Carlton is directly connected to Tower City Center, a ter and smelling like hay, having spent the afternoon in the petting zoo. landmark of the city’s skyline and a convenient destination for dining Today, the casino’s blings and dings provide a different kind of adults-only and shopping (especially if you’re visiting during one of Cleveland’s entertainment, but the glorious architecture and interior finishes have been brutal winters, which seem to last from November until April). Built restored and embellished for a new generation.
AUGUST 2013 I PASSPORT 59 CLEVELAND AUGUST 2013_Lima APR-08.R5-2 7/9/13 5:04 PM Page 60
cleveland
If you’re hungry to explore Cleveland’s thriving food scene, wan- icant investment across the board,” says Joe Marinucci, CEO of Down- der over to the East Fourth Street District for some of the city’s town Cleveland Alliance. “Major tourism projects will provide visitors an most unique and diverse dining options. If you’re looking for celebri- opportunity to experience downtown Cleveland in a brand-new way.” ty flair with a smile, Iron Chef Michael Symon’s Lola Bistro offers New hotel developments will also afford Cleveland the ability to host nods to local ethnic cuisine (beef cheek pierogies), farm-to-table major sporting, cultural, and business events such as the Gay Games, but (kale salad), and nose-to-tail preparations (lamb heart with harissa this prominent gay event is just the tip of the iceberg. The first phase of and heirloom carrots). the Flats Redevelopment Project, estimated at $275 million, includes the The other big name in town these days is James Beard opening of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium located in the historic First Award–nominee Jonathon Sawyer who, with the hands-on collabora- Energy Powerhouse. For business travelers, the Center Global Center for tion of Executive Chef/Partner Brian Reilly, brings a Japanese- Health Innovation and the Convention Center are slated for an October American mash-up sensibility to Cleveland with Noodlecat. The opening. The LEED silver-certified facilities will feature a 30,000-square- menu features ramen, udon, and soba noodles, handcrafted by near- foot grand ballroom with stunning views of Lake Erie. The $465 million by Ohio City Pasta. I begin with assorted steam buns that reflect both project is expecting more than 300,000 annual visitors. traditional and Midwestern preparations from Kyoto-style cucumber and sprouts to pulled pork with pickled onions and slaw. Not miss- leveland’s investment in arts and culture isn’t new though. The ing a beat, I slurp my way through miso ramen with roasted pork, Cleveland Museum of Art dates back to 1916 with a perma- dashi, and crispy garlic, as well as spicy octopus stir-fry udon with a Cnent collection that spans from decorative art and design to fiery sesame chili paste. I wash it all down with Sho Chiku Bai—an American painting and sculpture, photography, textiles, and more. organic, American-made sake. Upcoming noteworthy exhibits include “Less is More: Minimal Prints” Cleveland’s flourishing dining scene feels, in part, inspired by the city’s (through October 20), which explores works on paper by such notables thriving cultural institutions and an overall sense of progress and innova- as Sol LeWitt, as well as “Carrie Mae Weems: Three Decades of Pho- tion. With a staggering $2 billion in tourism-related infrastructure devel- tography and Video” (through September 29), the first major museum opment slated through 2015, the city is poised to attract more than 11 mil- survey of this socially progressive artist who examines sex, race, and lion visitors this year alone. “Downtown Cleveland is experiencing signif- class from both a historical and contemporary perspective. Gay Games 9 An international sporting and LGBT community-building event…in Cleveland? Absolutely. After tirelessly campaigning and with support from the city government and local businesses, Cleveland (and nearby Akron) won the bid for the 2014 Gay Games (GG9), which will shot put into town August 9-16, 2014. GG9’s Executive Director Thomas Nobbe says, “We’re in the heartland of the country and it will be a transformative experience for so many people, LGBT as well as the broader community.” Founded in 1980 as “a vehicle of change” by Dr. Tom Waddell, the Games are about much more than winning medals. “We need to discover more about the process of our sexual liberation and apply it meaningfully to other forms of liberation,” Waddell wrote. “The Gay Games are not separatist, they are not exclusive, they are not oriented to victory, and they are not for commercial gain. They are, however, intended to bring a global community together in friend- Photo: Jay W ship, to experience participation, to elevate consciousness and self- tioning body of the Games, says this creation of a legacy com- esteem, and to achieve a form of cultural and intellectual synergy.” ponent is something the federation had hoped would happen The massive undertaking is not without its challenges. The Cleve- when they chose Cleveland/Akron as host. “The Gay Games is land/Akron region is the smallest in overall population as well as the about so much more than a weeklong event every four years,” smallest LGBT population to present the Games, but careful strategic Tom Waddell said when he founded the Games in 1982, “they planning and fundraising has positioned GG9 as a winner for every- exist to be a vehicle of change. The Cleveland Foundation is one involved with a projected $50 million in economic impact. helping to make that vision a reality for Greater Cleveland.” The Cleveland Foundation’s Presenting Sponsor contribu- For those headed to Cleveland next year, get ready for a tion of $250,000 has anchored the efforts and encouraged packed week of 35 sports and cultural programs as well as sig- other organizations, small business, and individuals to show nature parties and the anticipated arrival of more than 11,000 their support. As a result of the partnership between the Cleve- participants from all over the world. The city’s hotels, restau- land Foundation and Gay Games 9, an LGBT field-of-interest rants, and entertainment venues will be overflowing with freshly fund is being established at the foundation. The fund will scrubbed athletes and their supporters ready to celebrate wins, launch at the conclusion of the Games in August 2014. console defeats, and acknowledge the vibrant and diverse com- Kurt Dahl, co-chair of the Federation of Gay Games, the sanc- position of the LGBT community. www.gg9cle.com.
60 PASSPORT I AUGUST 2013 CLEVELAND AUGUST 2013_Lima APR-08.R5-2 7/9/13 5:04 PM Page 61
cleveland
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Photo: Spirit of America
Two new art buildings have recently opened that stretch the bound- showcase for local beers and a “bad for your heart, good for your soul” aries of artistic expression. The Transformer Station, a former substa- menu by self-taught Chef Ed Kubitz. tion built in 1924 by the Cleveland Railway Company, has been rein- One oversized house-cooked corned beef Reuben on potato pancake vented as a showpiece for contemporary art and photography. The soar- sandwich later, I head to Happy Dog for a local brew and chat with co- ing 22-foot high ceilings and massive horizontal crane are remnants of owner Sean Watterson. Packed to the brim with people of all ages, Happy the building’s original use, but selections from the private collection of Dog is a quirky find with a one-hit-wonder menu of gourmet hot dogs and Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell are anything but dated. Upcoming local beers. But what makes this favorite hangout really stand out is an exhibits include “The Unicorn” (through November 30), a group exhi- oddly curated program of nightly live performances ranging from the bition inspired by a book of the same name by Martin Walser; as well Cleveland Orchestra’s principal flutist to a debate series and science lec- as “Hank Willis Thomas” (December 14 - March 9, 2014). A five- tures. “The cost of risk is so low,” says Watterson of Cleveland’s can-do screen video installation will feature Thomas’ work, among others, that attitude. “You can try anything here. [The city] has great assets, but we’re reflects the experience of the black male, as well as selections of past much smaller than other markets so it needs to be more accessible.” works in the adjoining galleries. Also embracing a new generation of artists is the Museum of Con- peaking of accessible, my foray into Cleveland’s LGBT nightlife temporary Art (MOCA). Although the museum has been established scene offers only a handful of venues. It seems as if the city is since 1968, the new MOCA Cleveland is its first permanent home as Sskewing more toward an all-inclusive environment where gays, well as the first building designed in the United States by Farshid straights and everyone in between find their nightlife niche based on Moussavi Architecture. The new space will offer approximately eight their interests rather than their sexual orientation. But if you’re looking diverse exhibitions per year. “Realization is Better Than Anticipation” for a more gay-centric scene, you have a handful of options. (through October 13) showcases 12 artists with connections to the Bounce is a multi-purpose venue that boasts full-menu service, region, expressing their creative viewpoints through a range of media, video bar, pool tables, cabaret performances, and a dance floor that including sculpture, photography, ceramics, video, and performance. throbs six nights a week (closed on Mondays) until 2:15 A.M. Venue After a full day of shopping, neighborhood hopping, and appreciat- highlights include Tequila Tuesdays where you can get wild on $3 ing Cleveland’s art scene, I’m ready to get down with the locals. My margaritas or spend a couple of extra bucks for Patron top shelf. first stop is the Prosperity Social Club in Tremont, one of the city’s Maybe you’re destined to be the next Jinx Monsoon, if so, break out oldest neighborhoods. Currently owned by Bonnie Filner, the restau- your wig and heels for Thursday Amateur Drag Night hosted by rant/bar has been a popular hangout since 1938 and now serves as a Mandy Merlot. Locals flock to Bounce on Fridays for Equality
AUGUST 2013 I PASSPORT 61 CLEVELAND AUGUST 2013_Lima APR-08.R5-2 7/9/13 5:04 PM Page 62
cleveland
West Side Market Happy Hour (4-7:30 P.M.) and catch the Rust Belt’s sexiest boys at Kari Nickels’ All Male Revue on Saturdays. Located in Edgewater on Cleveland’s west side, Twist Social Club has offered a dizzying line-up of special events from Drag Bingo and gay Zumba to a Madonna Mania birthday party. Best to check the club’s Facebook page for the latest happenings, but it’s a can’t-miss destina- tion during warmer months when the front windows open and the party spills onto the street. The Leather Stallion is a neighborhood hangout that appeals to a broader demographic than you might think. Part of Cleveland’s LGBT scene since 1970, the no-frills bar never charges a cover and is a popu- lar destination for all types in warm weather due to its large outdoor patio. Swing by on Saturday night for a free pool tournament, and if you’re lucky your visit might coincide with a gathering of the Unicorn M.C., the oldest gay motorcycle/leather/Levi club in continuous exis- tence in the entire state. If you happen to be passing through town during the third Friday of the month, be sure to connect with G2H2, Cleveland’s roaming gay get-together that has been on the prowl since 2005.
n my final morning, I head to a blast from my past: Coven- try Village. Back in the day, we just called it Coventry and Othe neighborhood bristled with folksy shops, record stores, midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Tommy’s, the only place in town to go for brunch. With nearby John Carroll University and Case Western Reserve, the main strip still has a perpetual college feel, but it also remains a haven for all sorts of eclectic visitors and locals alike. After ravaging my way through a late breakfast at Tommy’s, which includes French fries and an oblig- atory chocolate malt milkshake, I pop in and out of stores just like I did when I was a teenager. Some have changed but many remain the same and it’s refreshing to see that independent shops still exist. Open since 1967, Record Revolution is one of the oldest independ- ent record stores in the country. This is the place to go if you’re a col- lector or looking for other music-inspired memorabilia. The trippy inte- rior features graffiti from visiting bands. Big Fun is just down the street and it lives up to its name. Another Cleveland institution, the store was opened by Steve Presser in 1990 and has maintained its cornucopia of kitsch status for almost 23 years, featuring retro candies, greeting cards, custom T-shirts and more. Even though I’m still stuffed from breakfast at Tommy’s, I can’t resist stopping by Grum’s Sub Shoppe. During my senior year of high school I would cut class just to get my hands on a The Grumster, a massive sandwich of roast beef, pro- volone cheese, special horseradish sauce, and secret spice blend. Another local business that’s been around more than three decades, it’s proof positive that Clevelanders are loyal customers, especially when the eating is good. Cleveland continues to surprise me and part of me is riddled with guilt for feeling like I needed to escape so many years ago. While I still admit to preferring the ocean to Lake Erie, there’s something to be said about coming home. And for those passing through Cleveland or choos- ing the city as their primary vacation destination, I imagine they, too, will feel like they’ve come home. Local residents are holding their heads up high as each year brings more economic development and civic pride. What was once a frontier village, then a manufacturing center, has now become a premiere destination for food, culture, sports, and enter- tainment. With the Gay Games on the cusp of the coming year, Cleve- land is also laying the foundation for further expansion and integration of its LGBT community. No matter where I may live, Cleveland is
Photos by: Mathew Wexler home, and I couldn’t be more proud.
62 PASSPORT I AUGUST 2013 CLEVELAND AUGUST 2013_Lima APR-08.R5-2 7/9/13 5:04 PM Page 63
clevelandresources
GeneRaL InFORmaTIOn casino resides in what was once a historic depart- East 4th Street, a downtown neighborhood packed BonBon Cafe ment store. www.horseshoecleveland.com. with restaurants and entertainment venues, featuring notable outposts by Chefs Michael Symon and museum of Contemporary art (mOCa), 11400 Jonathan Sawyer. www.eastfourthstreet.comrg Euclid Avenue. Tel: 216-421-8671. London- based architect Farshid Moussavi designed this Gay Games 9 (August 9-14, 2014), Whether geometrically-inspired building, the first perma- you’re an athlete or a spectator, head to Cleve- nent home for the museum, which showcases land next summer for what is sure to be the an ever-changing schedule of commissioned sporty blow-out event of the year. Register to exhibits and notable contemporary works. participate and keep up to date on special events www.mocacleveland.org surrounds the games at www.gg9cle.com. Ohio City Farm stand, Experience one of the Ohio City, Learn more about this artisan neighbor- country’s largest urban farms, which features hood that features the West Side Market and charm- one of the best views of the city. www.ohiocity- ing retails shops and restaurants. www.ohiocity.org farm.wordpress.com
Positively Cleveland is the city’s official web- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and museum, 1100 site and resource guide, offering the most cur- Roand And Roll Boulevard. Tel: 216-781-7625. rent listings of activities, dining options, accom- Explore the past, present and future of rock and modations and upcoming event. For a gay spe- roll through a permanent interactive installation, cific guide from Positively Cleveland, visit rotating exhibitions and special live performanc- www.positivelycleveland.com/lgbtguide es. www.rockhall.org
aCCOmmOdaTIOns The Transformer station, 1460 W. 29th Street. aloft Cleveland downtown, 1111 W. 10th Street. Tel: 216-938-5429. An extension of the Cleveland Tel: 330-995-7607. Located in the heart of down- Museum of Art, this former private transit provider town’s burgeoning entertainment and business dis- station dates back to 1924 and has been rein- trict, this contemporary Starwood property opened vented as showpiece for Fred and Laura Ruth this summer and features amenities by Bliss Spa. Bidwell’s private collection of contemporary art Photo: Matthew Wexler www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels and photography. www.transformerstation.org noodlecat, 234 Euclid Ave. Tel: 216-589-0007. The Cleveland Hostel, 2090 W. 25th Street. Tel: Chefs Jonathon Sawyer and Brian Reilly combine sHOppInG 216-394-1616. If you’re traveling on a budget, con- forces for a mash-up of traditional noodle prepara- Big Fun, 1814 Coventry Road. Tel: 216-371-4386. “Toy sider downtown’s only hostel—a sprawling 10,000- tions tinged with some Midwestern sensibility. Store” does not do this 3,400-square-foot fun house square-foot historical building that once served as a www.noodlecat.com justice. From vintage-inspired finds to adult-only play- factory for the Victor Tea Company. The rooftop things, Big Fun has it all. www.bigfunbigfun.com deck has one of the best views of the city. $25-75 properity social Club, 1109 Starkweather Ave. per night. www.theclevelandhostel.com Tel: 216-937-1938. Local beers and an eclectic Record Revolution, 1832 Coventry Road. Tel: 216- menu add to the charm of this local hangout, 321-7661. Since 1967, this independent record store Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, 24 Public Square. which has been around since 1938 and still going has been serving up the latest releases and rock clas- Tel: 216-696-5600. Built in 1918, the historical struc- strong. www.prosperitysocialclub.com sics along with imported posters and other music-relat- ture features vaulted ceilings and grandeur from days ed memorabilia. gone by. Rooms from $434. www.marriott.com Tommy’s Coventry, 1824 Coventry Road. Tel: 216-321-7757. From healthy vegetarian, vegan, R/s Boutique, 2078 W. 25th Street. Tel: 216-696- The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland, 1515 W. Third Street. and gluten-free options to the best milkshake in 6220. Home and design store featuring domesti- Tel: 216-623-1300. Located in the heart of down- town, Tommy’s is a Cleveland culinary institution. cally made products with a focus on Cleveland- town and adjacent to the shops at Tower City Cen- www.tommyscoventry.com based designs. www.rscleveland.com ter, the hotel is the only AAA four-diamond proper- ty downtown, is pet-friendly, and features enclosed expeRIenCe The West side market, 1979 E. 25th Street. Tel: walkways to Progressive Field and Quicken Loans Cleveland International Film Festival, this annual 216-664-3387. Home to more than 100 vendors arena as well as Horseshoe Casino. Rooms from festival draws nearly 100,000 attendees for screen- ranging from butchers and fresh produce to ready- $449. www.ritzcarlton.com/cleveland ings of new films including a specially curated LGBT to-eat delicacies, the market is a must-stop for any series. www.clevelandfilm.org serious foodie. www.westsidemarket.org dInInG Bonbon pastry & Café, 2549 Lorain Avenue. Tel: Cleveland museum of art, 11150 E. Boulevard. LGBT nIGHTLIFe 216-458-9225. Homemade pastries and comfort Tel: 216-421-7350. Dating back to 1916, the muse- Bottom’s Up, 1572 West 117th Street. Two-level food from pastry chef Courtney Bonning. um’s massive collections spans centuries of paint- LGBT establishment with a more traditional bar www.bonboncleveland.com ing, sculpture, decorative arts, and more. upstairs and dance club downstairs. www.clevelandart.org Grum’s sub shoppe, 1776 Coventry Road. Tel: Bounce/Union station Video Café, 2814 Detroit 216-321-478. Stop by for any one of more than 15 Glass Bubble project, 2421 Bridge Avenue. Tel: 216- Avenue. Tel: 216-357-2997. “The” place to go on sub sandwiches from a shop that has been serving 696-7043. This quirky shop in Ohio City offers one-of- Friday or Saturday night, the restaurant/bar features up deliciousness for more than 30 years. a-kind hand-blown glass collectibles as well as studio drag on Friday nights. classes for those interested in creating their own Happy dog, 5801 Detroit Ave. Tel: 216-651-9474. For- works of art. www.glassbubbleproject.com G2H2, Cleveland’s monthly gay get-together, held at a get mustard and ketchup and go for one of the more different location on the third Friday. www.g2h2.com unusual 58 toppings for Chef Eric Williams’ gourmet Greater Cleveland aquarium, 2000 Sycamore hot dogs, which also include chicken and vegetarian Street, Tel: 216-862-8803. Located in the FirstEnergy Leather stallion, 2205 Saint Clair Avenue NE. Tel: 216- varieties then stick around for live entertainment. Powerhouse on the west bank of the Flats, the aquar- 589-8588. Don’t let the name scare you, Cleveland’s www.happydogcleveland.com ium features nearly a half-million gallons of water and oldest leather bar draws a broader crowd these days. the SeaTube®, an underwater walk-through experi- www.leatherstallion.com Lola Bistro, 2058 E. 4th Street. Tel: 216-621- ence. www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com 5652. Chef Michael Symon’s locally inspired menu Twist social Club, 11633 Clifton Boulevard. Newly offers farm-to-table and nose-to-tail preparations. Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, 100 Public Square. renovated, the lounge presents a rotating roster of www.lolabistro.com Tel: 216-297-4777. Opened in 2012, this $350 million DJs. www.facebook.com/TwistsocialClub
AUGUST 2013 I PASSPORT 63