Rainbow Babies & Children's Miracle Network Hospitals & Bruegger's Bagels and Bakery Free Coffee Day

(Photo courtesy of UH Hospitals, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital)

When I got an opportunity to promote this donation/fundraising event with Bruegger's Bagels and Bakery and Rainbow Babies & Children's Miracle Network Hospital, it came easy to me.  I have a personal connection to these hospitals and many of my friends do to.

See Bruegger's is presenting a Free Coffee Day on November 14th. from the time they open to 2pm.  You can get any beverage for Free.  You have the opportunity to donate money to these hospital that do tremendous work and care for our nation's children and beyond or you can buy their Bottomless Mug and get any beverage for as many times as you like for FREE for 1 year!

This is an amazing this that Bruegger's has partnered up with.  It's a great cause and a great way to thank you for your patronage.

I have a personal story to share with you.  I don't talk about it much because it's hard to explain and it's so personal to our whole family.  Once our family was blessed with a presence of an angel.  He wasn't here long but he brought many smiles and tears of joy along the journey of his life and that was my nephew T.J.

I can't say exactly what kind of condition my nephew had but it was one that started in the womb and it's so very rare.  My dearest nephew, the first grandchild of the family was brought in this world barely having a chance.  He always amazed me.  How he fought.  He fought through every obstacle, every seizure every disability.  Though all the problems he faced, he was loved so dearly.

My dear nephew might of had many disabilities but because of the care given by these network of hospitals, he got great quality care and was cared for like any child and treated with love and understanding.  He was an amazing little guy.  When you thought he was about to give up he surprised you with another miracle.  He surpassed what they said he would live to and when God took him we knew he was finally at peace.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a happy healthy baby all the time.  But when there is that special little angel that graces us with their presence we are lucky to have this special team of people in these organizations that are there for us when we need the help for our children.  My nephew's name is T.J. for short.  He has a healthy big brother by who is 11 now.  My nephew Christian was also a special baby too even though he's not a baby anymore!  Christian too needed help when he was a baby and came into this world.  He was luckier than his older brother and with the studies and treatments that are partnered with hospitals, they were able to help my nephew Christian live and be a strong a boy!  He's quite the talented boy!  He never forgets his older brother and keeps his memory dear to him.  We all do.  We have little special memories that are near and dear to us of T.J. and makes us grateful the happy healthy children we do have and Thank God everyday for their happy healthy lives.

My Nephew Christian with my Brother Tony who is an Iraq War Veteran as well....

He was born the exact day after my car accident, we were in the hospital at the same time!

So I ask you for your support to stop by your local Bruegger's Bagels and Bakery for this special day event. On November 14, 2012 until 2pm.  Show your support and know that you can make a difference.  You can donate and you can buy their featured Bottomless Mug for $160.00 which gives you free coffee for a year!  That comes out to $0.43 (43 cents) per day for a cup of coffee!!!!  I know I've spent more than that in a year for coffee and it doesn't help anything except break my wallet!  So why not at least do it all at once and be guaranteed as much coffee as you'd like for one year, part of the proceeds will go to helping kids like my nephews.  To help them have better chances for life and the kind of life they have for the time they are here.  These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.

Here is a copy of the promotional article:
(BURLINGTON, Vt.) Oct. 24, 2012 – Bruegger’s Bagels kicks off its annual fundraising for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals today with a coffee-flavored campaign that benefits children’s hospitals across the U.S. The bagel chain, known for its authentic, award-winning New York style bagels, will donate a portion of proceeds from sales of its popular Bottomless Mugs through the end of the year.

Bruegger’s Bottomless Mug Club started more than 10 years ago, and has been helping out local children’s hospitals since 2010. Guests who purchase the Bottomless Mug receive free coffee, tea and soda for the remainder of 2012 and throughout 2013, saving an average of $300 per year. Sales begin today at nearly all of 300+ Bruegger’s locations nationwide.

“Through the Bottomless Mug campaign, Bruegger’s staff and loyal guests can work miracles together for their local children’s hospital,” said Bruegger’s Bagels President David Austin. “Our customers love the benefits of the Bottomless Mug, but more importantly, enjoy the opportunity to help kids in need.”

The highlight of the national campaign comes on Wednesday, Nov.14, when Bruegger’s hosts its popular annual Free Coffee Day until 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy their first cup on Bruegger’s while donating their spare change (or more) to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at canisters located by the register. In 2011, guests contributed more than $30,000 on Free Coffee Day.

"Bruegger’s Bagels is such a valued partner, raising both awareness and funds for our local hospitals,” said Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Chief Corporate Partnerships Officer Clark Sweat. "Through sales of its coffee mugs and the support of its guests, Bruegger’s helps us do more good for millions of children and families across the U.S.”

Last year, Bruegger’s donated nearly $100,000 to benefit kids and families in need through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In addition to the Bottomless Mug campaign, Bruegger’s neighborhood bakeries host fundraisers and events for local children’s hospitals throughout the year.

About Bruegger's Enterprises, Inc. Bruegger's Enterprises, Inc. (BEI), a leader in the fast casual restaurant segment, operates more than 300 Bruegger’s bakeries in North America. Renowned for its award-winning bagels, Bruegger's offers a wide variety of freshly prepared breakfast and lunch options made with high-quality, simple ingredients served with its unique brand of hospitality. Bruegger's is dedicated to the communities it serves and supports charitable causes locally and nationally. BEI’s parent company, Groupe Le Duff, SA, is the world’s second largest company in the bakery-café sector. Founded in 1983, BEI is headquartered in Burlington, Vt. For more information, please visit www.brueggers.com or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brueggers.

About Children’s Miracle Network HospitalsChildren’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 nonprofit children’s hospitals across North America, which, in turn, use the money where it’s needed the most. When a donation is given it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at CMNHospitals.org.


You can visit Bruegger's Bagels & Bakery on the internet and look for a location by you.

Visit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals website to learn more about them!


This is my nephew's grave and on his plaque he has a special poem...

Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die.
 ~Mary Elizabeth Frye

This is the original poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye:

Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
~Mary Elizabeth Frye

Although sometimes it's really hard to not cry because it is was a sad time but he did brings us so much joy.  Although he could not talk, walk, see or eat on his own.  He knew our touch, he knew when we were there. I'll never forget when I had to hold him and he squeezed me tight.  That is a feeling I'll never forget.  So please, help these organizations, these hospitals who have helped so many children in their lives.  I know that so many families and children would appreciate it.  Lets not forget our little ones who depend on us to help them make a better day tomorrow.

Remember November 14th!  Only until 2pm!  I'll be there and I am getting my yummy coffee in memory of my nephew and give to help.  Don't forget to enjoy some amazing bakery and goodies that Bruegger's has to offer!  Thank you everyone!

Thank You & God Bless,
Annamaria

Fall Perfection at Bruegger's Bagels

How it was great to get invited to check out the "Behind the Scenes" in the making of the yummy Bruegger's Bagels Blog Event.  I got an email telling me that I was invited to try some new menu items and get to hear the whole process of creation to customer service.

I've worked pretty much every position in the restaurant business.  Honestly, it took me back to back in the day of working in the industry.  It brought back great memories of having a blast while working and making some great friend, not to mention the skills I learned in the process.

I was late.  Who me?  Yeah me!  Yeah Yeah, I know....but seriously time is never on my side!  Something always disrupts my schedule.  I just don't get lucky with time no matter how hard I try.  Something always drags me.  Nonetheless, I went, late or not!  I did catch some informative information and got to try some things I never had at Bruegger's.

The last time I've had Brugger's Bagels was back when I worked in Downtown Cleveland for a big Medical Insurance Company and at lunch time, if it was nice outside, a few of us would go on a walk to eat something.  One of the places was Bruegger's.  My favorite was to eat a signature bagel sandwich called, "The Leonardo da Veggie".  It has Light herb garlic cream cheese, roasted red peppers, muenster cheese, lettuce, tomato & red onion. Yum! On a fresh chewy and crusty bagel that has been toasted, well it's just an artistic sandwich fit for an artist named after an artist!

Sadly, as I ventured out of the hectic city work, avoiding deadlock rush hour traffic, paying for parking and gas.  I was glad to let it go.  Along with it I left my love of Bruegger's.  That was the end of it sadly.  There was no other "Bagel Place" that fit the Bruegger criteria.  Then many years later Panera was opened near me.  I can't really compare the two.  They are very different and at the time Panera replaced Bruegger's because that was in my area.  Panera was introduced to me when I would visit my cousin in Columbus, Ohio where I first tried Panera, then when I would go to Canada and it happen to be at a break station.  Then when I worked at another medical insurance company, a competitor of the last company I worked for, we would have a "Bagel Lady" who came in every morning and sell bagels.  The company that I worked for was in the middle of nowhere.  So it was nice someone would bring something for us to purchase.  I fell in love with the Asiago Bagel and then was told it was Panera Bagels.  Well it was cheaper obviously if I bought my own and that is what I did.

This however is not a review for Panera but my first love, Bruegger's!  Which I am so grateful my love has now been rekindled!  Yum!  I also got to meet Bruegger''s Chef Philip Smith.  He's from England and he opened Bruegger's to us and explained the ins and outs of Bruegger's!  It was nice!  I had little Johnny with me and he was definitely occupied with some crafts of the season.  I thought, recognizing  that some of us our moms and basically can't just drop our kid off to go to a blog event, they involved our children!  Major Brownie Points!  Made me feel really connected to the company on a personal level.  Although the craft Johnny had to work with, combined candy and apples both which he rather eat than be crafty!  That's my Johnny!

At this point in the above picture he was put in his stroller because he grew quite restless.  LOL!  Johnny restless?  Never!  =)

I arrived right when Chef was touring the back kitchen.  Very small and not much room.  I never saw a small kitchen like this with a restaurant, but I remembered that they work with a very small menu necessities.  Complexity a little but still humble, but flavor and care in products much bigger!  Here is Chef in the cooler going over some processes that Bruegger's takes.  Very interesting, I could tell he took pride and they are specific on how they developed a product.

The bagels in this freezer are developing until they hit the huge oven.  Chef is holding some Salmon that Bruegger's uses on menu items.  I looked around to judge freshness and cleanliness.  It was all in check.

We then sat down with Chef and talked and I wanted to know where he came to be as a Chef.  I learned that he was in Italy for 4 months and he impressed me with speaking in Italian.  I was taken off guard.  He had asked me in Italian, if I spoke Italian, and although I do, I answered him in English.  I guess I'm just used to talking it with family and friends.  Pretty funny.  We also both had in common that we both worked for the Ritz Carlton Hotel.  Pretty cool eh?  He worked at the one in Washington DC and I was in Downtown Cleveland.  I guess when you work in the restaurant industry, you sometimes end up crossing paths with other people at some point!  Although when I did spend my time at the hotel it was nothing to do with working with the food aspect but more in the business area.  It all ties in together.

I enjoyed how Chef gave us some casual talking time.  Very personal.

So okay I am getting to the food.  Yes it was as good as I remembered it.  I would like to say I am pretty diverse in foods but I have never ever eaten Butternut Squash in any form.  However, we got to have and I took a bowl home o f their incredibly amazing Butternut Squash Soup which is also vegetarian.  I first would describe it with it's flavors as similar to Tomato Soup but better.  It was so good, buttery, creamy and great savory flavor perfect to have with a chewy fresh bagel.  The right thing to have on a rainy October day!  

Some of their signature soups, the orange one is their Butternut Squash Soup.  Photo courtesy of Bruegger's Bagels.

As for the bagels, well yes they are as good as they look!

There is no hiding what goes into these bagels and they weren't afraid to show it on the impressive spread that was laid out for us.  So here are the basic ingredients that go into their yummy bagels.

I got to have their new seasonal items, one of the newer ones being the Cranberry Apple Bagel.  Sweet, tart and chewy, yummy!  Now when you make a great product and you add the flavors of Autumn with it, you get some tasty creations!  For instance the Pumpkin Bagels & Pumpkin Cream Cheese, that's it, you're set!  

Photo Courtesy of Bruegger's Bagels & Bakery.

Pumpkin Bagel with Pumpkin Cream Cheese.

Buuuuuut, I wouldn't miss their Pumpkin Spice Latte!  This is where I say O-M-G!!!!

Okay the Pumpkin Spice Latte was just AMAZING!  Warm, cozy, creamy, topped of with Whip Cream and drizzled with Caramel!  Yeah that did me in!  Mmmmmmm, I was happy!  Perfect to go with this amazing scenery I caught that day....  Perfectly goes together or at least puts you in the mood!  This is when I am so blessed to live in the Midwest and see this amazing leaf color changing experience!

(C) ASM 2012, All Rights to this Photo Reserved By Me, Do Not Copy.

Well, the perfect end to this event was a bag of goodies.  Bruegger's spoiled us with a sack of bagels, plain and veggie cream cheese tubs with cute bagel balloons tied to the bags.  Soon as my Johnny saw the balloons, it was time to go!  See my son has an obsession with balloons and he will stop at nothing until he has one in hand.  Luckily it was at the end and I had to go.  It was all about the balloons at this time!

I just want to thank Becki, Chef Smith, Amber, Tina and everyone at Bruegger's Bagels and Bakery in Westalake for your invite, warm welcomes and great experience and knowledge into your company, hardwork and products!  I am glad to have been brought back to my love of Bruegger's Bagels back into my life!  I am a forever a customer and recommend this highly to everyone to try Bruegger's because I know they will love it!  Now just I wish....  Please open one by me!!!!  =)

Also it was great to meet other Cleveland Bloggers!  I look forward to getting to know all of you more!

So all of you, my readers from everywhere, find a Bruegger's by you!  Try everything, it's all awesome!  Definitely taste the products of the season!  You will not be disappointed!  Now I am craving for Bruegger's!    It's perfect for breakfast, lunch, a mid snack and a light dinner or full dinner!

Go try the TRIO and oh yeah they do Catering!

Photo Courtesy of Bruegger's Bagels &Bakery.

Please let me know if you have any questions!  I'll be more than happy to answer them.

Here is a beautiful little seating area outside of Bruegger's.  Johnny spent an outdoor moment with me and he threw a coin into the fountain!  Then we were off to make some stops at a neighboring city.  That's a later blog!  The fountain was tucked in this little area.  I just love Westlake, The Promenade and Crocker Park.

Happy Fall Everyone!

Annamaria

Konnichiwa Kumo!

Konnichiwa (kor nee chi wah)

Hello in Japanese

We've heard so much of this new Japanese, Chinese American type food buffet from multiple friends. We didn't think much about it because you tend to think buffets are the same.  Kumo though brought rave reviews from our friends.  I love all Authentic Asian as well as Asian American influenced food.  It's probably some of my favorite foods.

We had a day to enjoy dinner sans kids and I thought this would be a great day to give Kumo a chance.  We first thought to walk in and check it out and do a walk through, see what they had to offer, check out the environment and see what we superficially felt about it.  We were impressed!

We hit this apparent hot spot at it's prime Saturday Lunchtime.  There were so many people you could barely move but the food didn't suffer and wasn't scarce despite the rush.  We couldn't believe the selection Kumo had to offer.  It reminded me of a Asian American/Canadian buffet I would eat at when visiting family in Toronto, Canada called Mandarin.  Well honestly, I think as far as food, Kumo had more to offer and was much more relaxing.  We thought we would come back for dinner and eat.

What we were impressed with was the huge selection of so many different foods.  Vast amounts of various sushi, cold seafood, hot seafood and fresh steaming hot food, all the trimmings as well!

If you love seafood and I mean really like seafood then Kumo is a seafood lovers dream.  Dipping into the treasures of the exotic seafoods of the seas.  I am talking Spicy Octopus, Ginger Roasted Crab, Sushi, Dragon Fish, Crayfish, Clams, Oysters as well as Frog Legs that looked pretty meaty!  These fish dishes were steaming hot and they were aplenty.  You had basted, grilled marinated whole fish, fish heads and tails.  Take your pick, heads or tails!  I couldn't believe it and all I could think to myself was that if my dad was still alive, he would be drooling!  My dad loved his seafood, fish and especially the exotics.  My family is from the shores of Bari in Italy so fish is heavily consumed.  I kind of smiled when looking at the fish because it reminded me of my dad and it was bittersweet he wasn't here to enjoy it but probably was looking down at me daring me to eat it as he always did when he was alive.  Daring me to eat the craziest fish and seafood, most of the time of course I passed.

Seafood Aplenty!

You are probably wondering if I ate any of the seafood?  I was tempted because it did look so good but I don't think my stomach was all there, I didn't feel like peeling and I have had frog legs in the past (yes, it tastes like chicken).  I did see many people filling their plates with it.  So I assume it tasted very good.  

Speaking with my Asian friends, if you see Asian people eating at a restaurant that is Asian, odds are good that it's good Asian food.  There were many different cultures there, I live in a Ukranian influenced part in my city so there were Ukranian, Italian, Asian and American.  They knew it was all good and my gosh was the parking lot packed.  We arrived right when dinner started, 4pm.  My guess is that they serve for fish selections at dinner time.

They had a whole bar station dedicated simply to Sushi.  My gosh there was so much Sushi.  Your typical Sushi was created then a whole bunch of others I have never seen before.  There was Tempura, Avocado, Phildelphia and more, the list was long so maybe you need to see for yourself....

My gosh look at all the Pickled Ginger, I couldn't fit the huge plate of Wasabi!

This is my favorite photo, I love how the Sushi guys dressed in traditional garb was doing this plating.  Arranging in floral patterns and some placed nicely in fried wonton cups.  I didn't get to try it but my gosh it looked yummy!  Pretty!

I was delighted of course to enjoy the typical favorites.  I love to eat Lo Mein and it was really good, the crab rangoon were fresh, crisp and delicious.  The potstickers were soft, light and full of flavor.  The chicken for the sweet and sour chicken was perfectly battered and fried.  The sweet and sour sauce was that fake red sauce, which was disappointed because I would of loved to have seen the orange sauce with pineapples.  There was chicken teriyaki skewers, egg rolls, mango chicken, peppered chicken wings, and some huge BBQ Ribs and so much more that is so filling.

Here is their sweet rice, I don't know what it was like, Scott said it was good, it had raisins and fruit and what looked like crushed pink candy.

I really loved all the soups offered with Hot & Sour soup being my favorite.

So with all these savory foods you have to have some sweets.  They offered some Asian influences in desserts.  Fruit is huge and there was plenty of it, it was interesting to see coconut jello along side some strawberry jello.  The pure white color of the coconut jello was interesting and although I despise jello because being force fed after tonsil surgery in my teens and then adding the dessert as a painful enemy on my list, I just can't eat it.  They offered what looked like a great selection of desserts, but when we tried them they were dry, bland and not very good.  That was a let down because the presentation really fooled us.

The plate we tried....

However they were quickly redeemed by amazing us with a crepe station.  Not bad with what they have to offer as fillings.  There was a sweet bean paste, strawberry, peach filling and apple.  They had chocolate which we tried and despite the chocolate melting it seemed crunchy, I quickly figured that the chocolate was crushed crispy rice chocolate like a crushed Crunch bar, wish they would sub it for semi-sweet chocolate chips they would have a home run.  I also had a small peach filling one and it wasn't too bad with the whip cream and the birthday cake ice cream which was awesome!  I also tried their banana pudding and the strawberry glazed banana was also very good.  They are all so sweet and helpful and I loved that at the same crepe station they also make udon noodle soup in a broth a you can add whatever you want to it.

Udon Soup

My crepes were yummy, however I would of preferred some semi sweet chocolate chips instead of the smashed up crunch bar they were using.  Nutella and Bananas would be awesome too.  I wonder if I made the suggestion they would take it into consideration?

She was so sweet making my crepes and very helpful!  All the employees were awesome!

My plate of crepes and sweets.

I highly recommend Kumo.  If you are a fish person I would definitely do dinners.  If it's not your cup of tea then I would do lunch.  Kids have their own set prices according to age and you can visit their website for all that info at:  KUMO

It's a nice, clean and family friendly place to eat.  The staff is nice and informative and I think there is much to choose from and all the food is good.  The only thing I didn't like was the stir fry station.  I didn't think it was all that great and just will stick with what is on the buffet.  I had a lo mein stir fry done and it seemed watered down and not very flavorful.  I loved the Mango Chicken and plan on visiting again most likely during lunchtime.  I'll give you an update when I do!



Have an awesome weekend!
Annamaria

Texas Roadhouse Brooklyn, Ohio

On the suggestion of a friend she told us to try Texas Roadhouse because I was craving some ribs.  She said that she had some great ribs at Texas Roadhouse.  My friends have praised Texas Roadhouse for awhile so we thought we should go out and try it.  I was there once before when it first opened and I don't think I got anything special that stood out so I think that's why I didn't think to go.  I gave it another try because every time I drive by it, it's always packed.  What is awesome is that you can do call ahead seating.  With 2 unpatient kids, that's an A+!

First time I went I had ribs and they were so huge I couldn't believe it.  I ordered a veggie and a loaded sweet potato!  Yum!  On our order was also Chicken Fried Steak which was huge and the kids got chicken tenders which were tasty bites for them.  They have the best bread, most people love their cinnamon honey butter but I don't so I just get regular butter.  I think I could just go there and eat bread, it's that good.  We ordered the "blooming onion" type appetizer and got cheesecake for dessert.  The blooming onion was good but greasy as it always is no matter where you get it.  The cheesecake was amazing!

The second time we went since our first experience was awesome, I got the grilled shrimp on skewers with rice, of course the loaded sweet potato and some baked beans.  The shrimp was awesome and flavorful!  Perfectly cooked.  The rice to me reminded me of jambalaya seasonings.  I love jambalaya so I was hooked.  This time steak was also ordered and it was cooked perfectly to order.  The kids of course got the chicken tenders again and also we had the Rattlesnake Bites that were so good.  I thought since it was jalapeno it may be a little too hot but they weren't.  The flavor and the peppers were there but they were also gooey and cheesy.  I was in love.  I love my cheese!  Before when we ate at another time they ran out of their brownie dessert, since we thought it sold out last time that we should get it because they praise.  To my disappointment it was horrible.  It didn't taste chocolaty or brownie type.  Had no chocolate flavor, it tasted like bland cake.  We did however also get cheesecake to go with the strawberry topping which was always awesome.  I managed to find out they get their cheesecakes from Tennessee Cheesecake which you can order online HERE.  It's amazing!

I am glad we went back because the food really is good.  Depending on what you get you can spend a range of money.  I think it's worth it.  The staff was really great to us every time and never had problems.

Here are some pictures of menu items we ordered....

Rattlesnake Bites

The perfect yeasty rolls with butter.

Johnny enjoyed munching on the bread!

Ribs & Steak

(it was't served like this, it was arranged on the plate better)

Chicken Fried Chicken

Yummy Huge Gooey Loaded Sweet Potato

Grilled Shrimp with Rice

Sofia's picky Salad, only Romaine, Cheese and Ranch

They have a fully loaded salad that is awesome.

I will definitely go back to Texas Roadhouse, hopefully soon.  I have to be guilty of craving their shrimp and rice and bread.  Okay most of what we've had has been awesome.  A great overall experience.

Look for a location near you:
www.TexasRoadhouse.com

Facebook:
Texas Roadhouse Facebook

Have a great night,

Annamaria

Always Fresh at Jack Frost Donuts

Making Delicious Fresh Donuts since 1937!

I don't know how many of you have heard or have tried of Jack Frost donuts but they are a great little spin on the typical donuts if you haven't guessed by the photo above.

Jack Frost has been around for a very long time here in Cleveland and it's too bad not many have tried it (shame on you!).  The donuts are always fresh, flavors are different on some days and they are quite little fresh beauties

 Fox 8 Hot List Winners for Best Donuts in Cleveland, 4 years in a row!  Also a winner 2010 Cleveland Magazine for their wonderful Candy Bar Donuts!.

These are Maple Frosted with Vanilla Cream on top.

My daughter and I thought we would pick up a box (a dozen) at about 10:30am on a Sunday after church and her communion class.  It was packed!  It was hard to move.  Now they're open until 8pm most nights but I don't know how they keep up with demand.  I was afraid about time I got to the front of the line that the donuts would be gone.  We consider Jack Frost a treat.  They are decadent donuts well deserved to be shared with coffee, tea or a tall glass of milk!  I couldn't believe we didn't have them more often!

Raspberry Cream, Vanilla Cream, Chocolate Cake Donuts with and without Cream, also available with Chocolate Cream.

These are probably the freshest donuts I've ever had next to Krispy Kreme's hot off the conveyor belt glazed donuts.  The demand for them have to keep them coming and they were so fresh most of the donuts glazes haven't set yet.  The chewy yeast donuts are my favorite.  Not all of them are over the top, you have your typical glaze and on the weekends you can find cruller donuts, sometimes in various flavors too.  What really caught my eye is their jump of the band wagon of modern flavors like Maple Bacon, Snickers, Smores and Red Velvet.  Taking the typical donuts flavors to the next level.  The Banana Pudding and the Peanut Butter ones are my favorites!  Unfortunately I didn't get my hands on the Banana Pudding one because the Donut Monsters in my house ate it before I did.  I did manage to get a Peanut Butter one and it was so good!  Yes the donuts monsters is Scott who could despite his size could eat a whole dozen and my children....  My Johnny who almost 3 ate the Maple Bacon among others!

Good Ol' Fashioned Fresh Glazed Donuts

My daughter loves to take photos so most of them are taken from her and she's only 8.  She loves to help me with my blogs!  My great assistant!

It had been awhile like I said before since I have had Jack Frost, I promise though it will not stay like that.  I have seen though some crazy creations and since I am a baker/confectioner myself I can appreciate the crazy flavors like M&Ms, Fruit Loops, etc....  I wonder if they ever made a Cocoa Puffs, Scott would freak!  LOL!

Sofia is a glaze yeast donut girl and Johnny well if it's good he'll eat it and the sweeter the better.  He could down a donut or 2 with milk a must!

Now on Jack Frost's Facebook Page they asked for donut flavor suggestions.  Now if you know me you know I am going to suggest a Nutella Donut!  I did!  Hee Hee!  Of all the same suggestions no one thought of Nutella!  I hope to see it made in the future!  So here's my thoughts on the creation: Yeast Donut filled with Nutella, Powdered, topped with either a Peanut Butter or Nutella Cream Frosting, Drizzled with Chocolate Glaze and then topped with finely ground Hazelnuts (of course I also suggested skipping the ground nuts in case people don't want it, which I know my daughter wouldn't, she'll just take everything except the nuts, she likes the flavor like in Nutella but not the texture of a nut).

I've also suggested Banana Pudding Pie (yeast donut, powdered, banana pudding filled, top with a Whip Cream piping and finely ground vanilla wafer crumbs and one cookie to top it off)  French Silk Pie (yeast donut, powdered, filled with chocolate pudding, topped with a whip cream piping and topped with mini semi sweet chocolate chips and a Coconut Pie (yeast, powdered, coconut pudding, whip cream piping and sprinkled with toasted coconut.  Also with Carrot Cake and Pumpkin Spice Cake and top of those two donuts with a cream cheese filling/cream piping and a Lemon Meringue Donut....

I can't suggest enough that you have to get Jack Frost Donuts.  I am glad that I was reminded of what a good donut was when I bit into one.  It's no wonder that they are still in business.  I hope you don't think that Dunkin Donuts are real donuts, they may look like it but they are deceiving and stale all the time!  Jack Frost is the place that let's you experience a fresh donut the way it's supposed to taste!  Freshness is Key!

Next time you are looking for dessert after dinner or anytime, save yourself and get some Jack Frost!

If you have any questions about flavors of the day, call ahead orders give them a call, they are a great friendly staff.  The have hot coffee and beverages available as well.  You may have to wait in line or not.  On Fat Tuesday, you better preorder!  They also make Paczki (poonch kee) which will run out if you don't preorder for sure!

They take Checks with ID and Cash, no credit/debit cards.

Visit their Facebook page:

Jack Frost Donuts on Facebook

HOURS:

Monday-Saturday: 6am-8pm

Sunday: 7am-8pm

Phone: (216) 351-3638

Have a Sweet Week & A FAT TUESDAY!

Annamaria

I've Melted over Melt Bar & Grilled

Front Entrance of Indepence, Ohio location

Rockside Road

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Well where do I start here?  I think one day a boy named Matt Fish wanted to open his own place where people can eat some amazing concoctions and built up the infamous grilled cheese sandwich.  It wouldn't be just any place.  It would be a part of him, who he was.  Featuring some of what Cleveland has to offer and the Cleveland Scene.  That meant music, tattoos, Art!, good food and brews and he would entice people to come in with this concept to become part of his family.  A crew, where you can brand yourself to be part of a forever family with it's infamous logo tattooed somewhere on your body, big or small and you'll get 25% off for life on your orders!  That's a commitment both from owner and customer!

Now these aren't your typical grilled cheese sandwiches and there is certainly more to offer.  Sandwiches of amazing precise concoctions thought in the mind of Matt Fish and I am sure his friends.  You can't even imagine what he'll come up with next, but I can be certain it will be good. 

Every month a new sandwich appears as the sandwich of the month.  Customers salivate waiting to hear for the next creation.  It's like you know you're going to try it unless it's ingredients aren't your cup of tea.

Like this month, Melt got creative and really sucked us in with not just 1 fabulous sandwich, but 4 different sandwiches.  1 changing every week.  Whaaaat?, you may say, at least that's what I said.  How can I, when can I, what is it, should I, how can I not.  Well I didn't, that would be crazy for me but I know others have attempted the weekly concoctions and the month isn't over yet!  This was all introduced with the Chinese New Year with it being the Year of the Dragon, how can you not play on that and uh cultural icon Bruce Lee to boot!  Here is the promotional poster from Melt: (I LOVE IT, I'M A BRUCE & BRANDON LEE FAN, Not mention I love ASIAN DRAGONS!)  I am after all, I am "The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo"!

I didn't try it but I am sure it was awesome!

Melt opened up as a humble yet intricately decorated small place in Lakewood, Ohio.  There was a wait!  He then introduced Brunch which is fabulous!  It got so many raves and reviews all great mind you that Matt Fish had no choice but to expand.  Not only the first location but added additional locations in different parts of Greater Cleveland.  One may I add very close to home!  I knew it was going to be hard to keep Scott away.  I think he could of fainted when he found out.

We tried the Cleveland Heights location, but I didn't get the same feel as Lakewood.  Sometimes you lose atmosphere/originality, it's a risk you take.  It's huge and beautiful but doesn't capture the true essence of Melt.  Nonetheless, business is booming!  We couldn't wait for our location, then finally it did!  YAY!

I love our location that is close to home.  I love the workers there and everyone is so great.  It felt like home, well the original Lakewood location.  It has much of the same style and the blue patina metal squares on the ceiling, the huge bar, intricate art and details even down to the amazing sconces and lamps.  But one thing Matt has me hooked on that we share in common, is the obsession of holiday blow molds.  I have many although Melt has me surpassed.  Melt has some of the hardest to find blow molds that aren't even being made, that haven't been made for decades.  We have some of the same ones that are unique.  I guess that's why I appreciate this place so much.  I love the look and feel and I can totally relate to what he was going for.  Melt is Matt Fish's Playground!

Now to the personal experiences!  We've tried many sandwiches.  We've tried the specials and on the menu concoctions.  Family members and friends also telling me their feedback on their experiences.  All amazing I must add.  I haven't had a bad experience.  Well, one very funny one that was easily and quickly resolved.

One time when the Mama's Meatloaf sandwich first appeared I had to try it.  It was only the Lakewood location, we wanted Melt and surprisingly Scott drove to go and get it.  When he came back with our order, I began to check out this new sandwich.  Funny thing was, everything was on it except the meatloaf!  LOL!  Now I could of reacted very insanely, I mean it was the main part of the sandwich, how could they of missed it?  I called and they were very apologetic and sent me a gift certificate for $25 to redeem themselves.  I forgave them instantly.  I did however eventually get the sandwich when it appeared and featured again.  This is the photo of it below.  I enjoyed it but the one thing I would change is the fact of the flavor of sausage I taste in it.  It wasn't overpowering but I could of done without it.  Nonetheless though, I would eat it again.  The special ketchup on it is awesome and sweet, with yummy mashed potatoes and cheesy goodness!  Feast your eyes on this one....

Here is Scott's Favorite, the Monte Cristo.  He usually always get double meat and double cheese.  As big as this sandwich is, it boggles my mind how they do manage to batter it!

Here you will see the yummy Wake and Bacon.  You're ultimate breakfast sandwich!  Nothing beats eggs, bacon and cheese!  You can also have your eggs cooked to order.

If you wonder what other sandwiches besides the ones above that we have tried, I've had The Corny Beast, which is a feature sandwich and not on the menu.  It's the concept of the Corn Dog in sandwich form.  If you do see it, it's definitely a beast to be reckoned with!  It's huge and tasty.  Took me 2 days to eat it and yes it's battered just like a corn dog!  You have your hot dog, cheese, bread and then battered in a corn meal batter.  So very yummy!

Here is the Beastly Corny Beast!

Another Feature Sandwich

Emperor Ming's Merciless Mongo Melt

(Don't you just love the Artwork!)

The above concoction I think is a clever rendition of an the Pulled Pork Sandwich, interpreted in Asian Flair!

I have also had the pleasure of eating their Paprikash Soup, it is my fave and I hope they continue to serve it and make it a staple!  The flavor is great and those dumplings are so good!

I have also had the Dude Abides, it's a gluttonous version of the meatball sandwich.  A huge monster meatball with cheese, tomato sauce and fried mozzarella sticks!!!!  It was a lot and put me in a cheese coma.  Felt a little uncomfortable on that one.  So I think I won't be doing it again.  I think it's a man's sandwich with a huge appetite.  It however was tasty!  Try it, I dare you!

*Photo of Dude Abides via AlmostFoodie.com

(can you believe I didn't take a picture of my own sandwich?)

March 2012 Sandwich of the Month:
Reuben Melt

The Fletch Sandwich~March 2-3, 2012

Underhill's Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich & Steak Sandwich Melt!

(chicken fried steak with garlic mashed potatoes, pan gravy and provolone, I also added American) Wow was it good!  A meal in a form of a sandwich!

The Promotional Poster:

The Cheesesteak and the burgers are great as well.  We've had the pierogis as starters and the cheesecake, specifically the peanut butter kiss one.  All delish!  So if the photos don't convince you enough to try it out then you must need glasses!  Take my word for it and check it out and try it.  You will not leave hungry.  If you don't take my word for it then perhaps you will take it from Guy Fieri who visited it on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives or Adam from Man vs Food!  I've posted the videos below.  If you're feeling very daring you can take the Melt Challenge, with a monsterous amount of cheeses, huge amount of fries and slaw.  You eat it all and it's free and you get noticed!  Good luck!  I would like to have a bite of it, but I could never even think about doing the challenge.  It's crazy!

Here's the Melt Challenge Sandwich featuring 14 different cheeses.  Looks good doesn't it?  Crazy Good!

*Photo from Ibetyouwont.com

CHALLENGE RULES:
Challenge: The Melt Challenge consists of 14 different cheeses all held in place by 3 pieces of grilled bread, a pile of hand-cut fries & slaw. It weighs in at over 5 pounds of food!
People: 1
Time Limit: None
Prize: If completed you’ll walk away with a Melt t-shirt or Melt pint glass, $10 gift card and your picture immortalized on the hall of fame website.
Rules: No help from anyone and no trips to the bathroom. Sounds simple enough.

Enjoy these videos!

Diners, Drive Ins and Dives
My city gets a shout out in this!  Woot Woot!  PARMA!


Man vs Food (This also features some of Cleveland's Greatness!)
Part 1

Part 2


This is the review mostly for the Independence Location however all locations are awesome!
 

*The only thing I would change, is the fries....sorry I hate to say it but it's true for me at least.

PS:  Matt Fish you are one very clever, clever boy!  ;)

Melt Bar & Grilled:
Website

Melt Bar & Grilled:
Facebook

Have an awesome weekend!  Come to Cleveland if you haven't been here and check us out!
Annamaria