The Observation Deck

1) Farris Mgmt sells and services computers and networks. Because of the economic situation, we have offered members of the Chamber a 10% discount on our services. We will make the same offer to members of the deck.

2) Stan Austin - he is a great guy who has helped me in so many ways in getting our home ready to sell. He is multitalented, painting our home both inside and out, fixing broken windows, replacing screens and he did an absolutely amazing job on refinishing woodwork. I think that was his true passion.

3) AGS - Wide Variety of Graphic Solutions. I would go here first for signage. Creative and solid.

4) Holmes Printing - another great printing company within Lakewood. They really care about getting you a great deal.

Well, nobody has mentioned the Phoenix yet, because everybody knows it is a friendly crossroads for the multitudes, and an anchor for the neighborhood, and happens to serve truly fine coffee. But it would be a mistake to leave that out, so even though you already know, there it is.

I also want to plug the Friendly Mini Mart on Detroit between Edwards and Ethel. It's a beer and wine shop with good selections of both. Not extravagant selections, mind: It's not that big a place. But the choices run the gamut from bargains to very good beers and wines, and they have depth at both ends. To wit: they carry Grahams Six Grapes Port, which is something you should try after dinner some time, if you're not familiar. You can also get bargain wines from Australia and Chile. It's run by great, friendly folks. It's always bright and clean. And if you buy enough stuff that it looks like a challenge to carry, they'll offer to help you to your car. If you happen to drive, that is. The Mini Mart is also one of the reasons I love my neighborhood: I always walk there.

T J Butcher Block & Deli is wonderful. I look forward to sitting back and enjoying a T J Butcher Block & Deli sandwich on a sunny spring day in Lakewood Park while Little Hudson Davis plays vintage Mississippi John Hurt on his flattop, steel-string acoustic guitar over my I-Pod.

Matthew John Markling wrote:T J Butcher Block & Deli is wonderful. I look forward to sitting back and enjoying a T J Butcher Block & Deli sandwich on a sunny spring day in Lakewood Park while Little Hudson Davis plays vintage Mississippi John Hurt on his flattop, steel-string acoustic guitar over my I-Pod.

WOW!

That was like a plugfest, or Plugapalooza, Matt, although we older people might just call it Plugstock.

You got in shameless plugs for T J Butcher Block & Deli, a great place for sandwiches (Thanks for the reminder.), Lakewood Park, and one of my all-time favorites, Mississippi John Hurt, even though he's not from Lakewood. I especially like his live recording from a concert at Oberlin College in the 60's. Just can't get enough of listening to all of those great songsters and blues players from the 20's and 30's. They had such great names too.

As for the "Little Hudson Davis" on the flattop steel-string, I have to say that those that have heard him play,........well, they call him "Deaf Boy Davis" behind his back. Not sure what they mean by that.

Right now, I'm kind of diggin' the part about "a sunny spring day".

Did you also plug your iPod?

This whole thing may earn you, Matthew John Markling, a shameless plug for being the best posting Lakewood School Board member of this day.


Steve


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Speaking of TJ's their beef and pork are beautiful and the prices are really good. I know I had the best steak I've ever had at the Scott's and it was a TJ's so I went there. OMG. I bough their home made potato salad and chicken salad because they tasted so good.

From what I understand they will a sell you large amounts all packaged to your specs. When everyone lived at home, I used to buy quarter hinds from a shop on Columbia. Saved a lot of money.

michael gill wrote:...Grahams Six Grapes Port, which is something you should try after dinner some time, if you're not familiar.

Michael,

I am not familiar. I don't even know how to drink Port. Room temperature? Cold? What type of glass? Is this something I should run by Chef Geoff, or can you enlighten me?

Steve

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I confess to being a bit of a rube, Steve.

I put it in a glass and drink it.

I do typically use a good sized wine glass, and I do think it's best for sipping after dinner, and I have tried a few different ones and found it's worth a few extra bucks for quality, but after that . . . I defer to Chef Jeff.

But trust me on Grahams Six Grapes. Instead of pie.

While we do not always agree on various issues, Ward 2 Councilperson Thomas Bullock always returns my telephone calls, listens to my questions, and gives me answers – even if they are not the answers I want to hear. So, we should plug Tom as well.

Matthew John Markling wrote:So, we should plug Tom as well.

Pretty funny.

Sounds like he's invested his time in representing you. I'd say he has earned a shameless plug.

Way to go positive, Matt.


Steve

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Wink’s Barber Shop – on Madison just east of Bunts across from Angelo’s pizza. Horst Wink has been there for around 28 years. Excellent haircut and some good conversation. He goes by appt only 216-221-8026.

Fuzion Martial Arts – on Madison a couple doors down from Goddess Blessed. They have kids taekwondo classes in the early evening from Mon-Thurs and adult classes on Tues and Thurs. Mon and Wed evenings and Sat morning also have women’s kickboxing/cardio. 216-712-7200. www.fuzionmartialarts.com.

I forgot ...
Tina's deli...thank goodness I can walk there in about 2 minutes....the waitresses there are awesome. And they always give Frankie a sucker when we are done, so for him that is a huge plus.

Weber Architecture...what would we have done without them? This house would be a pile of rubble. And our new project...all I can say is that they are amazing and I thank them so much every day....THANK YOU!!!!!

and no matter your stand on dogs or what ever...Michael Stewart of Animal Control rocks. He has helped me so much, and always answers my questions no matter how silly I think they are. He explains things to me so that I can help others as well. He is nice, sweet, and funny. And if he ever reads this..."No, you cannot have Batman!!!"

Shameless Plugs: Keeping it in Lakewood

Elbur Muffler and Brake (Elbur and Madison)- Owner Faysal is without a doubt the fairest mechanic I have ever dealt with, I have been going to him for 7 years and would not think of going anywhere else.

Angelo's- Friends and family from all over Northeast Ohio and across the country insist on a stop at Angelo's when they pay us a visit.

Pet's General Store on Madison- Wonderful people, fair prices, and a fun experience when you visit.

LHS- Our children are getting a quality education, and our oldest is more than adequately prepared for his first year of college this fall thanks to the Advanced Placement and College prep courses he took at Lakewood High School. I'm also a big fan of Dr. Wagner.......keep running a tight ship!

Rick Ventura, Teacher and Cross Country Coach at Lakewood High School-I know Cross Country doesn't receive the publicity that other sports do, but Coach Ventura and his staff produce teams that qualify for regional finals virtually every year, and in many cases qualify in the top 16 in Division 1 for the state finals. The Cross Country tradion at LHS is stronger and more successful than any other sport at the school, perhaps the coaches of the other teams should ask Coach Ventura how to get the most out of their participants. He seems to know how.

I really like:

1) The Beer Engine has really great burgers and a great breakfast!

2) Melt...what can you say..great food and wonderful beer selection!

3) Pretty Coat Junction...my dog loves going to the "beauty shop"!

4) Nature's Bin...great fresh veggies and food and great community asset.

5) Lakewood Historical Society...we should all remember where we came from!

Rhonda[/b]

My shameless plugs are for River Colors Studio, which has a Sloane address but parking from Matthews. Erica has a terrific yarn selection, special orders things for customers, and has created a great atmosphere for knitters, regardless of ability.

Also, Players, within walking distance of my house (an advantage after a wine dinner), where you can never go wrong with your entree choice.

And I'll second Matt's plugging Tom Bullock. He's been an asset to my neighborhood's recently formed block club.

Here are my family's picks for best vegetarian eating in Lakewood. I hope someone can add on to places they have found! All these restaurants are equally good for meat eaters too!

1. Lin Garden- Their family style bean curd is a family favorite. They have also been willing to modify some dishes to take out the meat and give us beancurd (tofu) instead. Not only are their prices reasonable, the portions are large enough for leftovers and the employees are some of the nicest people you could hope to do business with.

2. Thai Kitchen- Excellent food and again, the nicest people to visit with. This restaurant inspired our honeymoon to Thailand. We found that the food here was very authentic.

3. The dog house- a place where you can actually get a veggie polish boy, one of my favorite comfort foods. Again, not to be redundant but the service is out of this world.

4. Aladinn's- many veggie options

5. Melt- so many cool options for veggie meals

6. L.E.A.F-- This past summer we had a blast using LEAF. The gathering at the library to pick up your share of veggies is fun and impressed every out of towner we had in visiting over the summer. The people, music and additional vendors make it a unique gem for Lakewood. Getting many different veggies in varying amounts was sort of like being on Iron Chef. It shook up our menu in a good way and helped us learn about some new delicious recipes.

After writing this, I realize how many friendly, thoughtful people we have owning/operating in Lakewood. Apparently, good customer service is part of "The Lakewood Brand".