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- ☕ Trout Slides and Rocket Greens
☕ Trout Slides and Rocket Greens
Plus: James Beard Award semifinalists announced and a Gemini Center update
Happy Friday, Westsiders.
Welcome to The Buzz. You won’t find apocalyptic headlines or outrage here. Instead, this newsletter is your little reminder that you’re part of a warm, welcoming, and vibrant community.
Each week, we highlight the people doing good, the stories that actually matter here, and what’s worth getting off the couch for this weekend.
Also—if you’ve got a winter coat in the closet you haven’t worn this season, consider donating it to our Warm the Westside Winter Coat Drive. Details are below.
Let’s get into it.
Today we’re buzzing on:
Bay Village kids are growing what?
Do you do this winter driving faux pas?
Lorain Ave loses a BBQ spot
Hope your weekend is full of good people and even better plans. See you out there!
—The Briggses
Meet, Greet, and Charity
2nd Annual Warm the Westside Coat Drive With the Cavs
Huge thank you to everyone who’s already cleaned out their closet for a good cause. These coats are going straight to people who truly need them as temperatures continue to plummet.
Big shoutout to Purple Warrior Thrift, Toniann, Sarah from Avon, who have donated, and the many others that are planning drop offs through the weekend.
We are hosting a happy hour Monday, January 26 at Rocket Arena. The Cavs are opening up the Corona Cantina overlooking the arena early for us Westside Buzz VIPs starting at 5 PM where we will mingle, grab a drink (or two).
We have two sections of seats to choose from:
Section 211 - $62
Section M117 - $99
$10 from each ticket will be donated directly to The City Mission
All attendees will be entered to win premium seats to an upcoming Cavs game, plus you get an extra entry if you bring winter coat(s) to donate.
If you don’t want to attend the game, but would like to donate winter coats, reply to this email or drop us a line and we will coordinate with you!
We would love to see you there!
Community Blend
The Kids Are Growing What?! 📍 Bay Village
Some bright Bay Middle School students are learning valuable skills in science class.
What’s the dill(y)?
"The Farm," a standing pod that grows lettuce, allows students to plant, cultivate, and harvest their own food, which is then served in school lunches. It’s year two of the program, and it’s giving kids a real sense of where their food actually comes from.
As aspiring green thumbs ourselves, Jodie and I have discovered that tending to plants, vegetables and herbs is more trial and error than overnight successes.
The kids are learning this valuable lesson where not every crop has been successful, but most are. And for this farm-to-table experience, it’s more about learning and adapting than the food.
“It's really cool because we get to make the food that we eat,” said 7th Grade student Elise Grodek. “We know what source it comes from. How fresh it is. Because we got to plant it.” Full story from Jeff Reidel at WKYC
Bunts Road Rehab Project Update 📍 Lakewood
Bunts Road Rendering
This weekend’s temps could freeze your eyelashes, but spring isn’t as far off as it feels. This is especially true for those who live on or commute via Bunts Road, where big changes are coming.
Starting in 2026, the city will kick off a massive two-year rehab from Lakewood Heights to Clifton. We're talking everything from underground utilities to the street surface itself. Sewers? Replaced. Water lines? Ripped out like a stray eye brow hair. Sidewalks, curbs, parking lanes, and lighting? All getting refreshed.
Why it matters
This isn’t just about filling potholes. The project is part of a bigger plan to modernize infrastructure, reduce flooding, and improve safety for everyone—not just drivers. A key piece? A new multipurpose path on the west side of the road, making Bunts safer for cyclists, walkers, and stroller-pushers alike.
It’s also aligned with Lakewood’s Active Transportation Plan, which identified Bunts as a high-risk zone for pedestrians and bikers. So, they're adding things like curb bump-outs, better crosswalks, and flashing beacons to help people cross safely.
The road ahead
Construction will happen in two phases: south of Franklin in 2026, and north of it in 2027. Expect one lane to stay open southbound, with northbound traffic rerouted to Warren Road.
Will it be annoying at times? Absolutely.
Will it be worth it? Most likely, yes.
This project has been a hot-button issue, and yes, it’ll come with temporary headaches. But the end goal is a safer, more walkable Lakewood.
Westside Pour Over
Fairview Park - Work continues on the renovation of the Gemini Center Natatorium, which has been closed for 3 years. The pool is projected to open in May.
Hopkins - American Airlines plans a nonstop route CLE to LAX. Service will start on April 7th.
Restaurants - Mallorca (Outstanding Hospitality) & Vinnie Cimino (Best Chef, Great Lakes Region) are representing Cleveland as James Beard award semifinalists. Good luck to both teams!
Seen in Cleveland
Reddit u/tofuhoagie
“Going forward and not caring about what’s behind you”
“Never look back”
“Just send it”
These are some of the comments on a very colorful R/Cleveland Reddit thread. I can’t be the only one who has been so fed up with Winter that as long as I have a little tunnel to look through on the front window and side windows, I’m getting to where I need to be.
All joking aside, I realize this is a hazard to others on the road and off the road and we should all take the 15 seconds to scrape off the snow and make sure we can see properly on the road.
Raise your hand if you have ever been that person |
It’s only January and most of Cleveland is already experiencing high levels of IDGAD. Hang in there everybody!
🍽️ Business & Restaurant News
Save Some Brisket 📍 Ohio City
Proof Barbecue in Ohio City will close February 1, with owner Dave Ferrante citing a steep drop in traffic since fall. The restaurant had already weathered a rocky road—opening just before Covid, relocating from Tremont to Lorain Ave., and investing in a stylish new space.
But despite solid food, a strong team, and good early momentum, the numbers just didn’t rebound. Ferrante says Platform Beer’s nearby closure didn’t help, removing a key neighborhood anchor before Proof 2.0 could find its footing. Now he’s focused on finding a new tenant that complements the area—and his bookstore next door. From Doug Trattner
Metroparks & Nature
[Credit: @clevelandmetroparks]
No it’s not the newest ride at Kalahari.
It’s the Cleveland Metroparks stocking 3,000 pounds of mixed trout across Westside Lakes.
These fish are perfect for winter anglers who go ice fishing. You know who ice fishing is not perfect for? This guy.
Anyone who goes stands out in fridgid temperatures to go and catch these things deserves a prize.
Buzzstrip
Think of your delivery driver this weekend!
What’s Happening, Westsiders?
Featured Event
Come join Khloe (@vino.sips) for a night of sober-ish fun at Rozi’s with proceeds benefitting the Cleveland APL. She will be pouring THC seltzers, non-alch sparklers, and wine and raffling off a killer gift basket.
Where: Rozi’s Wine House, Lakewood
When: 5-7 PM (probably later)
👨👩👧👦=Family Friendly
Friday, January 23
City Dogs: Juiced for Jupiter Fundraiser – Sauced Taproom, Lakewood | 6–10 PM
Pints with a purpose take over the taproom with raffles, giveaways, and brewery collabs benefiting City Dogs Cleveland. Drink thoughtfully, pet dogs later.
12th Annual Burns Night – Market Garden Brewpub, Ohio City | 5:30 PM
Bagpipes, poetry, haggis, and a pint that keeps the spirit alive—Burns Night returns in full Scottish glory. Kilts optional.
Friday After Sale – Bliss Home Market, Avon Lake | 10 AM–1 PM
A calmer way to shop with leftover favorites, fresh pieces, and zero weekend chaos. Same great furniture, much more breathing room.
Secret Supper III: With Sora – The Madison, Payne Ave | 6–9 PM
An evening of culinary mystery where the menu stays under wraps until the night unfolds. Expect surprises, thoughtful flavors, and a dining experience that keeps you guessing. Peek behind the curtain
Crafting with Cats: Bracelet Workshop – Affogato Cafe, Tremont | 5:30–7 PM
Create a custom bracelet while feline assistants supervise your design choices from nearby. Beads, charms, and cats… aka Jodie’s dream night. What more could you want? Workshop info
Saturday, January 24
Fredfest 2025 – Collision Bend Brewing, The Flats | 1–7 PM
Mid-January meets mid-July with yacht rock, island cocktails, and optimistic day drinking by a frozen lake. Dress like it’s summer, pretend it is, and commit to the bit. Festival details
Vintage Boutique Market – 3800 Lakeside Ave E., Cleveland | 11 AM–5 PM
A treasure hunt of vintage home décor, art, clothing, and accessories all under one roof. Come ready to browse, linger, and leave with something unexpectedly perfect.
Today’s Bride Cleveland Wedding Show – I-X Center, Cleveland | 11 AM–5 PM (Runs til Sunday)
A full weekend of wedding inspiration covering everything from dresses to décor. Whether you’re actively planning or just happily snooping, there’s plenty to browse. Say I Do!
2026 Cleveland Brewsology Beer Fest – Great Lakes Science Center, Downtown | 8 PM
Your favorite childhood science museum gets an after-hours upgrade with dozens of local breweries and cideries throughout the exhibits. Equal parts education, experimentation, and beer appreciation. Explore the science
Iced Cherry - PJ McIntyre’s, West Park | 8:30 PM
Kevin and the boys get you amped to dance through the decades at their home away from home, PJ’s.
Sunday, January 25
St. Brigid’s Day Irish Brunch – Music Box Supper Club, The Flats | 12 PM
Celebrate one of Ireland’s patron saints with traditional music, storytelling, and a brunch rooted in history and culture. A meaningful way to welcome the season ahead. Sláinte
Wicked Sing-Along Drag Brunch – Cleveland Funny Bone, The Flats | 2 PM
Defy gravity with a drag brunch inspired by Wicked, complete with powerhouse performances and sing-along moments. Pink or green attire highly encouraged. For good
🎷 Live Entertainment
Friday
Ten - A Tribute to Pearl Jam | House of Blues, Cleveland 6 PM
Absolute Intense Wrestling Alive Out of Habit | Globe, Iron 6:30 PM
Cleveland Music Awards: Best Alternative Showcase | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6:30 PM
Pink Pony Club: A Modern Femme Pop Dance Party | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
Motown & More with Nitebridge | Music Box CH, Flats 7:30 PM
Free Movie Night: David Spero | Music Box SC, Flats 7:30 PM
Stereophonic | Connor Palace, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Inducing Panic x The Dirty Pretty x Naked Eye | Coda, 8 PM
Talkbox Comes Alive – Peter Frampton Tribute | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM
Tommy Lehman | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM
Spazmatics Friday | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
Alice Sin & Flannel | Backstage Bar, Westpark 8:30 PM
Foundation Room Presents Bosco Jigs | House of Blues, Cleveland 9 PM
Live & Local Featuring Brokenglish | House of Blues, Cleveland 9 PM
Faction | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
Saturday
Dusty Slay: The Neighborhood Guy | Agora Theatre, Cleveland 6 PM
Buffchick and Ezra Glatt | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6 PM
A Night of Magic with David Anthony | Music Box SC, Flats 7 PM
Stereophonic | Connor Palace, Playhouse 1:30 & 7:30 PM
Dueling Pianos with Cleveland Keys! | Music Box CH, Flats 7:30 PM
Jackie Warren / Dan Bruce Duo | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM
1988 | The Local, Strongsville 8PM
Emma Nicholas | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 8 PM
Ke'von & The Vybes | Cassette Confidental | Blucone | Coda, 8 PM
Run Avril Run | Backstage Bar, Westpark 8:30 PM
Old Skool | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
BLOW THE WHISTLE (2000’s Hip Hop Party!) | The Winchester, Lakewood 9 PM
Electric Feels: Indie Rock + Indie Dance Party | House of Blues, Cleveland 9 PM
Live & Local Featuring Diana Chittester | House of Blues, Cleveland 9 PM
Foundation Room Presents The Austin & Syd Experience | House of Blues, Cleveland 9 PM
Club 2K: An All Out 2010's Dance Party | Mahall’s, Lakewood 10 PM
Late Night: Secret Society Comedy In The Apartment | Mahall’s, Lakewood 11 PM
Sunday
St. Brigid’s Day Irish Brunch | Music Box CH, Flats 12 PM
Flying Burrito Brunch with The New Soft Shoe | Music Box SC, Flats 12 PM
Grateful Dead Brunch W/ Into The Blue | The Winchester, Lakewood 1 PM
Greater Cleveland Flute Society: "Just Us" Member Recital | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 2 PM
Bad Bad Hats | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6 PM
Stereophonic | Connor Palace, Playhouse 1 & 6:30 PM
Too Hot for Leather w/ Sabon & Burning River | The Winchester, Lakewood 7 PM
Will Horner/Zach Warren | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7 PM
The Local Voice | The Local, Strongsville 7 PM
Weather
Friday
13 🌡️ -3 | 🌨 | 20% | 💨 W 14-20 mph
Saturday
13 🌡️ 8 | 🌤 | 20% | 💨 NE 5-7 mph
Sunday
20 🌡️ 12 | 🌨 | 90% | 💨 E 15-20 mph
Monday
17 🌡️ 1 | 🌨 | 40% | 💨 NW 15-25 mph
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 33ºF
That’s it for today, Westsiders. Send this to a friend who is doing dry January. They need all the help they can get.
Have a great weekend,
—The Briggses