🍀Top of the morning to you, Westsiders🍀. I hope you had a great St. Patrick’s Day weekend! I know I had my fair share of Guinness and Jameson this weekend. Hopefully, today’s newsletter eases your morning like an Advil to a hangover headache.

Today we’re buzzing on:

• 🍻 Cleveland nostalgia down under

• 🍳 Old River Tap & Social brunch review

• 🎀 Grand openings in Lakewood

Plus, tons of things to do this week!

Best,

—The Briggses

🥞 BRUNCH REVIEW

Old River Tap and Social | Rocky River

If you’re familiar with Old River Tap & Social in Rocky River, you probably know it for its great Wine nights, a huge bar with tons of taps, and great atmosphere. If you haven’t been in a while, it might be time to stop back in.

ORT&S has kept a pretty delicious secret under wraps. They recently hired Chef Fabiano, a Michelin-recommended Chef who has been in the lab quietly cooking up an unbelievably innovative menu. Recently, Jodie and I had the chance to sample some of their newest brunch creations.

Here are 3 reasons why Old River Tap & Social is worth a drive from anywhere on the westside:

1. They nail the basics. If a place can’t do the little things right, then I’m out. For all my football fans out there, you gotta run the ball. Two of the lesser-priced items on the Brunch menu blew my doors off. I never order biscuits and gravy because I am always left disappointed and feeling pretty gross after eating them. I was encouraged to give them a try here and I couldn’t have made a better choice. The biscuit was the perfect consistency and the gravy…my word. I wanted to live in it. Chunks of fresh vegetables swimming in a hearty stew that was delectable and not too heavy. 10/10 can’t recommend more.

2. The Key Lime & Pistachio French Toast is the star of the show. When Jodie and I go out to brunch we usually get a savory dish, a sweeter dish, and split them. Well, how about one dish that combines both flavor profiles into one bite that transports you instantly to a South Florida streetside cafe? The Key Lime sauce is bursting with flavor, and the brioche triangles are perfectly crispy.

3. Accommodates Families and Big Groups. Planning a group outing with friends or a couple of families? Old River has plenty of space to handle larger groups. It’s hard getting out when you have kids, let alone, to places you actually want to eat.

Chef Fabiano's magic has transformed this familiar watering hole into Rocky River's best-kept culinary secret. Check out their Instagram Page for a sneak peek at their new offerings 👉 HERE

COMMUNITY BLEND

🗳️ City looking for feedback | Avon Lake

Avon Lake is asking for its citizens' input. The city is actively seeking public feedback through a quick 5-minute survey to shape its Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan, which will guide the redevelopment of the former power plant site and citywide economic initiatives.

This approach marks the first economic development-focused public survey in over five years, showing a genuine commitment to community-driven planning. It is refreshing to see the effort, but in my mind what they do with the data will be everything.

The survey deadline is March 24, so there's still time to make your voice heard. In a world where decisions are often made behind closed doors, Avon Lake's approach reminds us that the most sustainable economic futures are built when cities and citizens work hand-in-hand to create something special together.

🐕 MUTT MADNESS

Ladies and Gentlemen, with March Madness upon us, we want to showcase all of the loyal companions of Buzz Nation. We are hosting a tournament-style bracket where your pups will face off against one another to see who will win a $50 gift certificate to the pet store of your choosing! Once we set the brackets, Buzz Nation will vote on each matchup to see who moves on.

Here’s how to enter your pup:

📬 Email us at [email protected] and attach a photo of your pup along with their name.

📆 Deadline: This Thursday at 10 PM!

Let the madness begin!

RANDOM

🦘 Cleveland down under | Australia??

A Redditor posted this drink coaster in the R/Cleveland subreddit and said that he found this in Australia, of all places. I have so many questions.

First, a quick search and some math shows that Shooters opened in 1987, which makes this coaster from 1997. Almost 30 years old! This thing is still in mint condition.

Secondly, how did this get to Australia and how is it still in good enough condition to be used today? Did a Shooters employee stash these away, move to Australia, open up a new bar 25 years later, and triumphantly pull these out in a pinch?

Thirdly, can we bring back 107.9 The End? That was my absolute favorite radio station growing up. Ah, the good old days.

GRAND OPENING

✂️ FunktiniLand cuts ribbon on new location | Lakewood

FunktiniLand has just cut the ribbon to its permanent Lakewood location 📍 15613 Detroit Ave. Suite B, Lakewood. This vibrant space showcases the works of over 45 talented local artists and makers, creating the perfect treasure trove for unique gifts and special finds.

The Mother and Daughter founders have created an upbeat, welcoming atmosphere where visitors can leisurely browse with friends and family, soaking in the artistic vibes while discovering something truly special to take home. Support our local artists, add a statement piece to your home, and find unique gifts at Funktiniland.

🛹 Get ready to shred | Lakewood

When I lived in Lakewood, I loved running or biking to Lakewood Park and seeing all the kids shredding up the skate park. The Bowl, designed by California Skateparks, is the latest addition to one of the best skateparks in all of Cleveland. You will never catch me dropping into this bad boy, but I will cheer on all of the brave souls who attempt it.

📰 WESTSIDE POUR OVER

What’s Brewing?

🍲 North Olmsted: Entrepreneur Hang Zheng is expanding his popular One Pot Korean BBQ concept, with his third and largest location set to open at Great Northern Mall this spring, following successful openings in Cleveland Heights and Columbus. The restaurant elevates the Korean BBQ experience with sleek décor, impressive tabletop technology including in-table exhaust systems, and an all-you-can-eat arrangement where diners can enjoy BBQ, personalized hot pots, or both with numerous meat, seafood and vegetable options. (Scene)

🍫 Heinen’s: Starting tomorrow, you can purchase Malley’s chocolate products in all 19 Cleveland area Heinen’s. This is the first time their products will be available at Heinen’s stores so stock up on Pecan Billybobs, Buckeyes, and my personal favorite chocolate-covered pretzels. (Cleveland.com)

🏀 Avon Lake: The Shoregals hopes for their first state championship in 31 years were dashed in a 72-44 loss to Purcell Marian in the OHSAA Division III state championship game. They fell behind by 15 points in the first quarter against three-time Ohio Ms. Basketball Dee Alexander and Purcell Marian despite their strong defensive reputation. Great job Avon Lake and congratulations on an amazing season! (Chronicle Telegram)

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Weather

Tuesday

64 🌡️ 52 | 🌥 | 0% | 💨 SW 11-14 mph

Wednesday

66 🌡️ 41 | 🌥🌧️ | 80% | 💨 S 14-18 mph

Thursday

50 🌡️ 31 | 🌧️🌨️ | 0% | 💨 SW 15-20 mph

💧^{🌡️ Water temperature = 33ºF}

That’s it for today, Westsiders. Get out on the town this week!

Until Friday,

—The Briggses