Weekend in Tremont
8/19/2009 | Ivan Sheehan
Located on Cleveland’s Southside, Tremont is far and away one of this city’s most colorful neighborhoods. Scattered among the historic landmarks and charming cross streets is an eclectic sampling of regional-art galleries,hip boutiques, renowned independent eateries, and welcoming watering holes.With so much to see and do, it’s easy to get distracted. Here’s a guide to help chart your course.
Friday: Spirited Arts and Culture
Note: If you’re in Tremont on the second Friday of the month you’ll experience Tremont Art Walk, when neighborhood businesses unite to promote local artists. Folks who visit during this monthly event enjoy extended hours at galleries, restaurants and boutiques.
Opened in 1988,
Piccadilly’s Fine Art Galleries is one of the area’s oldest galleries, and as the name suggests, it caters to those with an appetite for fine art. Here you’ll find paintings by modern masters, including photo realist Thomas Arvid, displayed with museum-quality lighting. Pieces are for sale, but as the saying goes, “If you have to ask…”
If the literary arts are more your style, visit Visible Voice Books. This indie gem features a well-edited collection that focuses on fiction, contemporary poetry, politics, art, music, and the works of Beat and counterculture writers. Poetry readings happen regularly, and the bibliophile/oenophile will enjoy the shop’s snug little wine bar and adjoining courtyard – perfect for a relaxing read.
For more than a decade, Stephanie Fralick’s Pinky’s Daily Planner has been an oasis for fashion-conscious women, with Fralick’s own contemporary designs sharing space with those by some of the region’s foremost designers. Bargain hunters will find a tasteful collection of vintage couture from the likes of Ferragamo, Rudi Gernreich and Pucci.
To whet your whistle, head to 806 Bistro, one of the area’s few lounges devoted almost exclusively to the art of the classic cocktail. The bar’s seductive speakeasy aesthetic, cozy patio with fireplace, and deft mixologists create an atmosphere perfect for a casual yet classy aperitif.
Consider making your Friday night dinner reservations at Fat Cats, a bohemian bistro set in a renovated home off the beaten path. On warm nights request a seat on the patio, which pairs stunning city views with local, seasonal fare (much of which is grown on site). Asian and Mediterranean influences pop up in a bowl of duck pho or a pizza topped with braised onions, goat cheese, and slow-roasted tomatoes. Daily specials – particularly the fish selections – are not to be overlooked.
End the night at the decidedly low-key Hotz Café, a neighborhood institution that’s been getting folks juiced since 1919. A diverse crowd gleefully mingles in the dated Art Deco dive while getting in a few games on the vintage shuffleboard machine.
Saturday: Play Day and Night
Locals know that Dish Deli is the place to grab top-notch nouveau deli fare. Chef Donna Chriszt has earned props for her work in the fine-dining realm, but here the fare is unfussy and fabulous. Sit at one of the few small tables inside or out, or have your lunch packed up to go. Everything from the gourmet soups, salads and noodles to the sandwiches and desserts are made from scratch.
Take a stroll through nearby Lincoln Park before traveling to Eye Candy Gallery, where owners Rita and Bob Telaak have amassed one of the best collections of local paintings, sculpture, jewelry and fashions. The gallery is awash in color and much of the Cleveland-based work is whimsical (one features the work of a 9-year-old boy who paints colorful penguins), making for an entertaining trip.
More urban cool can be found at the Tremont Tap House, located in a repurposed Italianate building. As the name implies, the tavern specializes in beer, boasting more than 100 top-rate brews, including 24 on draft. Fans come for the beer, but they stay for the elevated pub grub dished up in a lively, casual atmosphere. Tuck into mussels frites, rosemary-scented mac and cheese, and braised beef sliders.
Just down the street is Tremont’s original avant-garde theater company, convergence-contiuum. Inside this tiny theater, known as The Liminis, ambitious productions challenge social norms while encouraging audience participation. The seating/stage setup changes with each performance to keep things fresh. This is also one of the least expensive theater experiences in town, with seats costing around $10.
Sunday: Sweet Ending
Things move slower on Sundays, and brunch at The Southside is a great way to kick-start the day. This neighborhood hotspot fills up fast thanks to affordable pricepoints, stick-to-your-ribs fare, and breakfast cocktails. Dig into biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, and corned beef hash. The huge patio is slammed on picture-perfect days.
After fueling up, walk to nearby Banyan Tree, one of the area’s most-frequented boutiques. The largeairy space, billed as a “contemporary, urban oasis,” makes it a breeze to introduce a modern, artistic flair to your nest or wardrobe. Trendy home accessories, praise-worthy gifts, stylish jewelry, and sophisticated clothing guarantee a successful shopping adventure regardless the budget.
Before leaving town treat yourself to a cookie or a cupcake at the unambiguously named A Cookie & A Cupcake. This diminutive bakeshop, run by classically trained chefs, churns out more than a dozen decadent flavors. Consider the tantalizing espresso cupcake with chocolate cake, caramel mousse and espresso butter cream – an indulgence that’ll set you back a mere $2.50. In warm weather, sidewalk seating offers the opportunity to chill outside with a cool beverage and a seasonal assortment of specialty sweets.
Bet you’ll leave Tremont with a smile after that.