Whoa. Guest blog, what?

And most importantly, she gave me the turntable that got me back into vinyl, and led to the eventual birth of this site. Enough from me, here’s Cristi!

Frank Lewis over at Scene Magazine in Cleveland asked me to write 100-200 words for their Best of Cleveland issue coming out Oct 8th. There will be a collection of folks writing about what they love about Cleveland and/or why they live in Cleveland. Specifically he asked me to contribute what I miss about Cleveland. The following is what I turned in to him unedited. Once I got started I couldn’t stop. Silly girl…

There is so much I miss about Cleveland. Although it has been almost one year since I moved to the the beautiful West Coast in Northern California, I’ve often found myself telling new friends stories about my favorite places, people and the amazing foods I ate in Northern Ohio. So sadly, here is my list of what I took for granted while I lived in Cleveland:

The Underground Comedy Scene: At one time Cleveland comics could get stage time any night of the week. You could see local comedians try new material for the first time at Panini’s or Bella Dubby and then see the polished product a few weeks later on stage at the Improv or Hilarities. It is truly a unique comedy scene in Cleveland, with a huge talent pool and many independent businesses who are willing to give them the spotlight. I’m glad I took advantage of going to the comedy clubs in Cleveland as often as I did because I spent so many of my nights laughing my face off.

The West Side Market: Nobody in Northern California believes me when I tell them the West Side Market in Cleveland puts all other Farmer’s Markets to shame. It’s because the West Side Market is so much more than just a Farmer’s Market. It is a community, it is affordable and everything is so fresh! The people who work there are helpful and kind, and you are never at a loss for someone to chat with. Because of the West Side Market, I have learned how to grill Bison, make my own salad dressing and make one hell of a batch of Sangria. Unfortunately I no longer have the luxury of getting these items at my convenience, like I would if I were still living in Cleveland.

The cheapest date in America: Now, I don’t know if this is legal, but luckily I never had to find out. Many nights while my boyfriend and I were trying to save money, we spent summer evenings sitting on the breakwater at Lakewood Park, drinking 22oz Pabsts and watching the sunset. I realize this may not be the most romantic or extravagant way to spend an evening, but once the sun ducks behind Lake Erie, taking its red, pink and orange hues with it, the glow of downtown Cleveland on the water at night takes over. It makes you happy to be living in North East Ohio, even if only for a moment.

Munch 3-6PM on 850 AM WKNR: Mark “Munch” Bishop is the reason I love sports. Before moving to Cleveland I never had an interest in sports at all, but after sitting down and listening to the stories Munch has to share, his outstanding wit and insight both on and off the field and not to mention his passion for everything Cleveland, how could I not become a fan? As a new listener it can be hard to believe that someone could be so excited about sports teams in a city that rarely delivers, but Munch is indeed 100% genuine and really more of what Cleveland needs: a positive attitude.

The Spitfire Saloon: Granted, this bar is not for the meek or anyone who is scared of getting beer spilled on their fresh pressed Armani suit. This is the anti-6th street. This a place where you can get as loud and rowdy as you’d like, as long as it doesn’t ruin anyone else’s good time. The beer selection is phenomenal, including bottom of the barrel beers like Schlitz and Blatz in a can for those feeling the economic strain, but also high-end beers you can only get in the Midwest like Bell’s Oberon or Great Lakes Christmas Ale (yum!). The bartenders are surly at best and they have the greatest jukebox that side of the Mississippi, hands down. What other bar in America has had a half-pipe for skateboarders inside the bar? The Spitfire is a legend in the making. For one month a year they turn from a punk bar into a metal bar. Why? Because they can, and that’s how things are done in Cleveland.

There are so many other places and people I could mention in my laundry list of what I miss most, but if I go on I’ll surely be on the next flight back to Cleveland-Hopkins Airport, which clearly didn’t make my list.

Cheers!
Cristi Cantle
Former Clevelander

Relevant Links:

Check out Cristi’s page on the Rob, Arnie, and Dawn morning show page.

Blog? Yeah, she does that too – read some of that right here.