Somebody’s turning 30 this month…..  

Thank goodness for that, (did I really write that) because it allowed me to guilt trip 15 of my closest friends into dressing up in costume and spending $50 to celebrate me while attending Cleveland’s 2013 Bal Ingenieux…  the 1920’s bohemian-themed fundraising event for Ingenuity Festival.

While I was excited to explore Ohio City’s Halcyon Masonic Temple, I couldn’t wait for the Jazz musicians, Hula Hoopers, Belly Dancers, Jugglers and burlesque show that would await me.

Await me it did….. as did men in drag, women in pasties and mini chocolate cupcakes….A happy early-birthday celebration indeed…..

Next on the Cleveland goal list, make it to Ingenuity Fest…..    

Springtime Craft Project! 

• Wooden Letters:  $1.60 per Letter 
• Paint: $0.50 per color 
• Paint Brushes: $2
• Industrial Twine: Located in my craft drawer 
• *All materials from Pat Catans 

Total Signage: $12

Time Spent: 4 Hours  

Happiness Factor - High

*Special thanks to Jen for crafting away with me on a Saturday night and for working the drill…. 

Finally…. achievement of the Triple Crown….

Though I’d dined at Michael Symon’s Lola and B Spot, I hadn’t had the opportunity to hit up Lolita. (I know… I know… how can I call myself a Clevelander……)

Nick’s 32nd birthday was the perfect opportunity to give it a go (and to let go of any residual guilt I’d have for spending lots of money on a meal…)

It was my perception that Lolita and I already had a lot in common - both femme fatales serving as middle sisters…..less formal than one (Lola / Kristen) but a lot classier than the other (B Spot / Brian).

My expectations were on par… What wasn’t was the fact that we’d be able to 1) Get a table bar-side 2) Eat entirely from the Happy Hour Menu 3) Spend a mere $36 dining at one of Cleveland’s largest hot spots.

Though I was more than willing to open my wallet so Nick could score a meal, both our stomachs were totally full from the following: ..

• Mussels w/ Chorizo, Garlic & Parsley $5
• Mac & Cheese w/ Chicken, Goat Cheese & Rosemary $5
• Lolita Burger w/ Bacon & Fried Egg $5
• Charred Eggplant Dip w/ Homemade Flat bread $5
• House Red Wine $4 
• Bulleit Rye $10 
• *Added bonus for the amazing free bread, dipping oil and friendly waitress

I vote the Eggplant Dip as the front runner but the Mussels slide in at close second. Surprisingly, this meat lover was not a fan of the burger. (English Muffin bun and fried egg were just too much for me) That being said, Nick was a giant, giant fan…. Touche….

*Weekday and late night Happy Hour offerings…

*Well worth the visit!

Girls Book Club Brunch at Tremont’s new Press Wine Bar….  We may not all have agreed on “Extremely Loud and Extremely Close” but it sure was hard to disagree with the mimosa bar and accompanying food spread….

Though I rarely drop $18 on breakfast, $8 for a Pear Mimosa and $10 for a Mexi Scramble is pretty reasonable for any Tremont dining spot.  

Highly recommended spot to take those visiting out of towners or those die-hard Bob Evan’s Loving parents from Warren….. 

*Saturday & Sunday Brunch from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.