Don't be fooled by the store front, there's plenty of room inside!

Anyway, Touch, yes Touch Supper Club offers brunch 11am – 5pm every Sunday. The menu features some interesting items like Chorizo and Jalapeno Cornbread ($7) done biscuits and gravy style (I know, right?) This is my boyfriend, Logan’s, absolute favorite. In fact, he’s never ordered anything else. I, on the other hand, have sampled many menu items and enjoy the Tempura Chicken and Waffles ($7) served with a side of crispy tater tots. The perfect combination of sweet and salty! There also plenty of other options like omelets, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, oh, and fruity pebble pancakes – I’ll leave those for you to try. The most expensive item is $10 but most choices range $5 – $8.

Touch also takes one of my personal favorites, Bloody Mary’s, and kicks it up a notch with the Bloody Mary Bar!!! Not only does Touch offer a variety of mixers, 40+ hot sauces, spices, pickles, olives, celery, etc., they also serve their own vodka infusion specialties. How does potato and bacon vodka sound? What about a mango horseradish or rosemary herb bloody mary?  Their latest infusion wasabi soy vodka has an amazing flavor and mixes so well with clamato juice and celery salt.
There’s more vodkas for you to try, I think 6 or 7 currently.

Touch is great for an inexpensive Sunday brunch, around $25 – $30 with bloody mary bar included. I do have one comment about Touch to add, they’re not exactly consistent. For one Sunday to the next you can expect delicious food, but don’t expect the same flavor or presentation. Take the Chorizo and Cornbread for example – it’s always tasty, but sometimes it’s spicier, sometimes the cornbread is softer or drier. Service goes that way too – sometimes your server never lets your coffee cup go below half and sometimes you ask twice for the same refill, either way the coffee is good.

All in all Touch is for sure worth a try. Why not tell them Cleveland Yuppie sent you. It probably won’t get you anything more than a strange look…you never know though.

Buckeye Beer Engine
First stop is the Buckeye Beer Engine. Known for its large beer selection the Beer Engine delivers the same for Oktoberfest. Beginning Friday, September 25, the Beer Engine will offer a variety of Craft and Import Oktoberfest Beer such as Warsteiner, Dundee, Left Hand, Brooklyn, Spaten, Bells, Ayinger, Hofbrau, Thirsty Dog, and more.

Located on Madison in Lakewood Beer Engine has a refinished patio (enjoy it while you can – has heaters!) and the most yummy-delicious Kobe beef hot dog on a pretzel bun ever!

If you’re a fan of German cuisine the list includes Wienerschnitzel, Sauerbraten, German Sausage and Franks, Fried Pickles, Dumplings, Cabbage and Pretzels. No prices are listed, but GLBC food generally runs high so maybe save up for the event or just enjoy the beer. You know the beer is always good, especially Oktoberfest.

The Pub in Rocky River – Das Boot Debuts
From our previous post you can tell that Laurel and I are already Pub fans and now there’s another reason to Luv The Pub. Starting this week The Pub is offering 28oz. boots filled with Warsteiner for $10. Das Boot is yours to keep and bring back for $8 refills of the beer of your choice.

Genießen Sie Oktoberfest!
Now, I know there are many more bars in Cleveland celebrating Oktoberfest but I certainly don’t want to ruin the fun of discovering them. These suggestions will get you started, oh, and buzzed. So as they say in Germany (according to the babelfish translation) Genießen Sie Oktoberfest! Enjoy Oktoberfest!

Happy Hour at Table 45 runs 4p.m. to 6p.m., Monday through Friday and offers free, yes free, appetizers and discounted drinks (around $5-$6).  As John Petkovic of the Plain Dealer points out in his review of Table 45 tuna tar-tare, salmon cakes, risotto balls and chips and salsa were available for tasting. Not a bad menu of free food, right? Considering an average entree runs around 21 bucks,  happy hour is a great way to sample the food and see if it’s worth a later investment.

Cleveland hipster, Nancy Novak (my mama) had this to say about Table 45′s happy hour – “Table 45 is a great after work get away!  The ambiance, food and drinks were right on the mark and the bartenders and staff are top shelf.” With a rave review like this I’d say it’s worth a try. She also noted that they validate parking – Bonus!

Let’s be real, it’s not often you can say you ate at a place like Table 45 and walked away with a bill under $10. It sounds like this happy hour is one that myself and other Cleveland yuppies might enjoy!

Know of other amazing happy hours? Please share, we love spreading the word about great Cleveland restaurants and bars.

Now what? How do I keep my mind from turning to mush while I search for new employment? Finding new ways to bring you the best of Cleveland at bargain prices should do the trick!

Free Services – The Library
Since I really am living off my last dollars these days it’s important to know what free or discounted services are available in Greater Cleveland. Each post I’ll bring you a new service or program that will benefit you without dipping into your wallet. This week, the library. My hang out is the Lakewood Public Library, but the Cleveland Public Library also offers a variety of amenities.

Not only is the library home to the latest best sellers, how-to’s, autobiographies,  novels and loads of other books, but the library also hosts hundreds of DVDs and CDs giving you FREE access to new releases, TV series and all sorts of music. This free entertainment is great for penny-pinchers like myself who want the latest and greatest but without the cost.

Another perk about the library, FREE Internet! For those of us looking to save a little extra and don’t have home Internet access, the library’s computer lab is a great alternative. You can check your email, tweet, post Facebook updates and chat on-line just like any other computer but again, without the cost. Some library’s even provide Wi-Fi and limited, free printing.

Along with these FREE services the library hosts guest authors, books sales and other special events that makes this establishment an integral part of our community and our everyday lives.

The market offers more than just fresh food though, it shows the true community that lives in Cleveland. On Saturday mornings, by far the busiest time at the market, you run into hundreds of new and familiar faces as everyone loads up on their week’s worth of groceries. It’s always a great feeling when you visit your favorite vendor, hand over your eco-friendly canvas bag,  fill up on the best selection of vegetables and fruits and know that your dollars are going to support the local community. It’s another added value to shopping at the market.

A few tips for shopping at the West Side Market:
1. The market has limited hours so plan accordingly- Monday & Wednesday: 7am – 4pm Friday & Saturday: 7am – 6pm 2. Remember Saturday is the busiest market day so come early for the best selection and be patient with the crowds.
3. Use canvas bags, they are sturdy and easier to carry when walking through the aisles.
4. Bring cash, including coins, and set a limit. It’s easy to get carried away when you see all this great food, so purchase what you came for and remember the goodies for next week’s list.
5. Many vendors do accept credit cards which is convenient for larger purchases such as meat. Check the Vendor list to find out what forms of payment are accepted.

Time to Give Back
Now that you’ve taken advantage of the valuable services Cleveland has to offer, it’s time to give a little of your free time and volunteer. It’s important to support your city and the programs it provides for individuals in need. Cleveland has plenty of organizations that are constantly looking for volunteers and appreciate any time that you are able to offer.

Here are just a few examples of volunteer opportunities in CLE:

Cleveland Foodbank - The Cleveland Foodbank offers a variety of ways to volunteer including packing and sorting food donations, special events, administrative tasks and preparing hot food in the Cleveland Community Kitchen. Fill out this Volunteer Registration Form to get started.

Business Volunteers Unlimited - Funded by the United Way of Greater Cleveland the Business Volunteers Unlimited connects hundreds of non-profits organization and thousands of volunteer opportunities with citizens in Greater Cleveland who are willing to help. Check out upcoming opportunities and sign up, here.

USO of Northern Ohio - Despite your thoughts and feelings on our current situation, I believe it is important to show our support to the individuals who serve in the military and their families. Read the list of ways to help, here. I personally think the USO Lounge at Cleveland Hopkins Airport sounds interesting.

Add your personal value to Cleveland and take some time to volunteer.

First, make a plan
Even if you don’t stick to it entirely it’s good to have an idea of what you want to do. I knew Karine and Pauline hadn’t been into the city so I wanted to make sure they got a feel for what we have to offer. No better place to start than East 4th Street, it’s such a beautiful street with plenty of great places to try. The neighborhood’s website, www.east4thstreet.com, lists the hot-spots on the street and talks about special events. I checked each place for specials, happy hours and previewed menus for the best prices. Though the happy hours didn’t fit my time frame I was able to pick our destinations, The Greenhouse Tavern and Flannery’s Pub.

The Greenhouse Tavern
I picked this place for a few reasons – One, I knew it would be a nice place to relax while we waited for all my friends to gather. Two, it’s unique approach to food was going to be interesting for Karine and Pauline. Three, I have been wanting/begging to go since its opening and couldn’t wait to sample some firsts and libations! (check the menu at www.thegreenhousetavern.com for details)

The great thing about The Greenhouse Tavern is you can sample delicious food and handmade cocktails without spending a ton of cash. The menu’s “Firsts” feature amazing treats for only $3 – $5. The Roasted Marcona Almonds and House Made Fromage Blanc were my favorites and I’ve heard the French Breakfast Radishes are great too. The cocktails were reasonably priced as well. For drinks made of only fresh, local ingredients the $6 – $10 you’ll spend is well worth it. Also currently available but not listed in the Libations is the Port Punch, at only $5 a glass or $15 for a bottle it’s a great, inexpensive choice.

Overall, The Greenhouse Tavern was well received by Karine and Pauline. The total for three cocktails and two Firsts, only $31.

Having fun at The Greenhouse Tavern

Flannery’s Pub
Next stop, a good ol’ Irish pub for some beer drinkin’ and sports watchin’. Ok, I wasn’t sure if the girls were beer drinkers, but Flannery’s was a great example of the variety of entertainment East 4th has to offer. Choosing beer was the first time we ran into any language/accent barriers – Does Pauline like sherry beers or cherry beers? Hmmm…hard to tell. Fortunately, our waitress was kind enough to let us sample a few selections and Pauline settled on a cider beer.  Meanwhile, I introduced Karine to the fine taste of Great Lakes Brewing Co., Dortmunder Gold.

Since everyone ordered a different beer it was a great way for Karine and Pauline to sample various drinks without incurring extra costs. While the beers are fairly priced around $5 or so, the girls were kind enough to buy my beer, saving me a little more cash. Total cost for 3 beers $15.

Funny Side Note – The pub is also where we ran into our second language situation, Lads and Lasses. Although the bathroom door marked Lads looks like the word would translate to Ladies, it in fact translates to Men. Oops. Never thought to warn the girls that the bathroom door marked Lasses was for them.

1 a.m. and we’re still not done
After saying goodbye to a few friends at Flannery’s, the girls decided they wanted to go dancing. We headed to West 6th to show them yet another side of Cleveland. I was worried we might lose each other on the crowded street but we managed to hold tight and ended up at Bar Flyy. Though the atmosphere was new and different, the Techno music wasn’t exactly what we were looking for.

Karine & Pauline on Velvet Dog's Rooftop Patio

We ended up at Velvet Dog and at first the girls wondered where we were going as we passed the first two floors of the club. To their surprise and excitement we went to the rooftop patio and finished the night dancing in the rain surrounded by the Cleveland buildings. The club was a great way to close the evening and with no cover charge and no drinks, the cost was zero.

Running back to the car in the pouring rain Karine and Pauline were thrilled with their night out in Cleveland. I was happy to have myself and my friends be a part of their experience. Oh, and I was able to keep my total cost under $40. Not bad for a night on the town!

Karine and Pauline’s Observations
1. Both were impressed when I picked them up in my own car (Toyota Celica). How exciting!
2. Heading into the city they couldn’t believe the size of our buildings. The two of them will be blown away for certain when they spend 10 days in NYC next week.
3. Pauline was surprised when our waitress brought us waters without even asking. In Belgium water is purchased.
4. Both were also surprised to know there is also no cost to use the restrooms. (Another cost savings you could argue.)
5. Watching a college soccer game in Flannery’s they noted our players are far less agressive and the game is not as exciting.

Evil Dead The Musical

Evil Dead poster

There’s probably a lot of Evil Dead fans who will not be pleased to know that I was clueless about this cult classic movie before seeing the musical version, but I was entirely clueless to the point where I thought it was going to actually be scary. Sitting in the tiny Beck Center Studio Theater where the seats are stained red and the cushions are worn thin, I had no idea what I was in for, except for one warning – prepare to be covered in blood. Then the music starts “Cabin in the woods, oooooo! Cabin in the woods, yeeaaaah!” Oh, this isn’t scary at all, I thought, it’s absolutely hilarious! And it was, every minute of it. Evil Dead The Musical has been so successful that the Beck Center has extended the run at least three times, now running until July 26. Which means, if you hurry, there still might be a ticket or two available. (Request seats)

As far as the price goes, $30 per ticket isn’t exactly inexpensive, but here’s where the difference between cost and value comes into play. Not only is the blood splattering musical more entertaining and interactive than any movie, but it is also doing great things for the Beck Center. Imagine what the extended runs and your support can do for this non-profit organization. Seeing this show has encouraged me to keep up with the Beck Center and learn more about upcoming shows and events. Not only is the website, www.beckcenter.org, a great way to stay informed, but you can also become a fan on Facebook and receive updates on Twitter (@BeckCenter).

I would be remiss if I did not mention that I also enjoyed a delicious dinner at Melt before the show. July sandwich of the month, Firecracker Chicken, yum!

Sunday at the Beach
Sunday came bright and beautiful this past weekend as my family gathered at Huntington Beach to celebrate my sister’s 27th birthday.  The beach was on overload, likely due to the Edgewater mishap, but there was still plenty of sand and water for my nieces and I to play.  Though, the washed up beaver was a gentle reminder that Lake Erie, like any other body of water, is full of life (minus one beaver). Still, that is one of the nice things about the Cleveland Metroparks, there is so much life around you. Whether you’re at the beach, hiking through woods or visiting the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo there is an abundance of nature in Cleveland to appreciate and most with no price tag attached.

Are you in the Cleveland know?
I couldn’t help but think that my fun-filled weekend would not have been possible if my friends and family weren’t aware of upcoming Cleveland events.  While I knew all about Ingenuity Fest by following on Twitter (@ingenuityfest), I had not heard of Evil Dead The Musical until I was in the theater. Which leads me to ask, “Are you in the know?” Who are you following on Twitter? What are you favorite CLE Web sites and Facebook fan pages? Or maybe there’s another way you find out about Cleveland happenings.  Here’s a few of my Twitter favorites for up-to-the-minute CLE info – @DowntownCLE, @PositivelyCleve, @clevemetroparks and @Summer_of_CMA. Please share your thoughts, I’d love to know how fellow Clevelanders learn about events in our city.