❤Why Are We Obsessed with Clams?

Good morning, Westsiders. We are only 8 days away from Halloween. As a tradition in my house, my hopes of planning an epic costume have evaporated faster than the Browns chance at a successful season.

Here is a look at what we will cover in this edition of the Westside Beat.

  • Why are Clevelanders obsessed with Clams and where to get the best bakes

  • Avon High football ranked #2 in the state

  • Stay out of the kitchen if you’re playing my Aunts in Pickleball

Let’s get it!

—The Briggs’s

The Digest

Come out of your shell!

There’s no doubt that Cleveland loves its Fall clambakes. Did you know that Cleveland eats more of those buttery, delicious bivalves per capita than any other city in the country?

There are a few competing theories as to why Cleveland loves to gather around a boiling pot of broth every Autumn.

Some think it can be traced back to descendants of the Revolutionary War relocating to Ohio. Most of them were from the Northeast, who may have brought their taste for clams with them.

Others trace back to the 1800s, when most of the eastern US seafood was moved by rail directly through Cleveland. Hungry Clevelanders looking for new delicacies had an unlimited supply of clams to try different recipes.

No matter the reason, it’s no joke that we take our clam bakes seriously around these parts. Here are a few of the best Clambakes we have discovered in our Westside Community:

A Westside staple | 📍 21490 Lorain Road, Fairview Park

Gunsies brings the backyard clambake feel to their iconic Clambake. They have been hosting them here since the 60’s and they source them from Narragansett Bay, RI, which is home to the finest clams on the east coast.

Their last Clambake date is November 3rd where you have 3 options:

  • Clambake only | One dozen clams + New England clam chowder + clam broth + potato + corn for $35

  • Steak Clambake | 12oz strip steak + one dozen clams + New England clam chowder + clam broth + potato + corn for $40

  • Chicken Clambake | 1/2 baked chicken + one dozen clams + New England clam chowder + clam broth + potato + corn for $38

Clambake night is every Thursday & Friday | 📍 25600 Center Ridge Rd, Westlake

Salty Mary’s fancies themselves a real clam-head’s paradise. Oysters, clams, and seafood boils are their specialty.

Every Thursday and Friday you can order a feast that includes: A dozen steamed little neck clams, a Cup of clam chowder, Half a roasted chicken, Corn on the cob, Roasted red-skinned potatoes, Baguette, and Clarified butter all for $45. #shuckyeah

Boos, Barks, Pooches, and ghouls!

When I first moved to Lakewood after college, I remember staring out of the window at the library and not believing my eyes. A literal parade of dogs and owners all dressed in costume.

One event that never disappoints is the Lakewood Pooch Parade that happened last week. Congratulations to the Dune themed duo who took home best in show!

Weather

Friday

63 🌡️ 54 | ☀️ | 20% | 💨 S 13 mph | 🌊 1 to 2 feet (10-15 knots)

Saturday

56 🌡️ 43 | ☀️ | 10% | 💨 NW 17 mph | 🌊 1 to 2 feet (10-15 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 62ºF

Temperature readings are Friday forecasts for Lake Erie off Cleveland

@Westsidebeat local photo

IG user @ad.briggs | 📍 East 30th and Chester

Tag @Westsidebeat on Instagram to have your 📸 featured!

Local Business

Cleveland Premier Pickleball is off to a tremendous start

There’s a reason why I am hearing more about Pickleball than ever before. No, it’s not because I needed to cheat to beat my Aunt Debbie.

The total number of Pickleball players in the US has increased by 187% over the last 5 years. It’s great exercise, easy to learn, and more approachable than other sports.

Cleveland Premier Pickleball opened a 56,000 sq foot facility in Pin Oak Parkway in Avon Lake and boasts 4 championship-sized courts and 15 total courts. In a few months, the club has racked up 300+ members and plenty of good times.

Ted Esborn, Stephanie Haas, Chris Haas, Justin Hellinger and Jennifer Fenderbosch cut the ribbon for the facility on Monday, Sept. 9.

Open play is free for members and $8 for non-members. Check out their site to see why Cleveland Premier Pickleball is taking the Westside by storm.

Whats Happenin’

🎤Live Music Schedule

Friday 10/25

Off With Their Heads, Nightmarathons, Model Martel | The Foundry @ 7PM

Mossy Moran | Gormley’s @ 8PM

Faction | Time Warp @ 7PM

Saturday 10/26

Sugar Magnolia - A Tribute to The Grateful Dead | Brother’s Lounge @ 8PM

Taylorween: an all Taylor Swift halloween dance party | The Roxy (Mahalls) @ 7PM

🏈Friday Night Lights

Avon [9-0] @ Avon Lake [6-3] @ 7PM

The #4 ranked Avon Eagles travel to their old foes Avon Lake. Friday night

North Olmsted [5-5] @ Westlake [2-7] Friday @ 7PM

Lakewood [4-5] @ Buckeye [8-1] Friday @ 7PM

Bay Village [5-4] @ Rocky River [7-2] Friday @ 7PM

Fairview Park [6-3] @ Crestwood [5-4] Friday @ 7PM

Archbishop Hoban [7-2] @ St. Edwards [5-4] Saturday @ 2PM