I wonder if Clevelanders malign the place so often with their first breath before talking up its strong points because we’re the ones who live here and it’s so tough to do so. The roads were so bad at lunch today I wanted to (carefully) drive home and crawl under a blanket for the next 4 months, and this week alone I have 2 friends who are leaving town (one for work, one for her husband’s work) and another friend who got laid off. In a week!

That aside, I’m thrilled with the exposure the Sausage Shoppe has gotten and hope that it brings a big, lasting boom to their business. I agree these types of places would be SO overrun with business in bigger markets, I hate to see everyone blindly shopping at Wal-Mart and getting produce from Marc’s of all places. What is the matter with people?
Pass the schnapps.

Schnapps + hot chocolate = nice winter pick me up.

That pic really is priceless. It looks like they’re getting ready to visit someone in the county jail.

And yeah, as Clevelanders, we do slag ourselves a bit too often, but I’ve found in other cities, people are quick to point out their city’s flaws too readily as well … except for folks from Seattle, who are smug for some reason, as if foisting flannel, grunge, and overpriced coffee on the rest of us is something to be smug about.

Just kidding … I’ve had great food in Seattle, but I HAVE met some ultra-smug idiots there as well. But we have them here, too. They’re everywhere. If anything, Cleveland’s an easy target for those of us who live here, and making fun of it IS easy … too easy, because it requires no work. But if you go exploring in the city, go find those great places like The Sausage Shoppe, or Marta’s in Euclid, the Seven Roses in Slavic Village, the Bavarian Bakery in Lakewood, or any number some great little food shops, restaurants, or cool stores, you suddenly realize that this is a pretty great place to live. And there is a strange and noble beauty in even the steel mills and factories, and run-down neighborhoods, and a grittiness and determination that gives this place spirit. Add in the amazing cost of living, and it’s a damn good place to live.

Anyone can break out … but it takes work to break in. If you’re a Cleveland, go exploring. If you’re from another city, come here for a visit … We’re cheap, the beer’s good, and there’s some great restaurants, too. And if you live in another city, go explore there, too. Find those great old ethnic mom-and-pop restaurants and shops, and patronize them. Don’t hide in your suburb, never leaving your zip code and thinking the be-all and end-all of existence is Sprawl Mart, Mammoth Mall, and TGI Apple Garden restaurants.

It sounds like Tony’s gonna do Cleveland pretty proud in his show … though I am expecting some snarkiness!!

The photo is a perfect illustration of what happens after a few days on Planet Ruhlman. Scnapps and pork for breakfast. Schnapps and pork for Lunch. Schnapps and pork for dinner. And not even GOOD schnapps! He buys it at Costco–in a BOX! Ruhlman’s refrigerator–overflowing with pig parts and pork-related swag. After a week of this–I’m surprised I didn’t sprout a curly little tail. Ruhlman’s backyard? Let’s just say I’m glad my girlfriend told me to put out my cigarette in time. Those chemicals are HIGHLY flammable. “Contents Under Pressure”? No kidding! And just before this picture was taken, I nearly got pistol whipped by some bison-sized drunk at the otherwise excellent Velvet Tango Room. (Ruhlman said she was his agent). As soon as my ribs heal, I’m checking in at Betty Ford .

On the other hand, maybe Ruhlman could package that and make money off it. Anus Bran – two scoops in every box!