The Intergalactic Nemesis

Ok, last night was new experience.  We went out to see the Intergalactic Nemesis at Playhouse Square.  It was billed as a live action graphic novel.  I really love graphic novels, but I had never heard of this one before.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was extremely pleased.

Up on stage is huge projection screen, taking up the entire length of the stage.   There are 3 actors who each portray one of the main characters and all the ancillary characters, a foley artist for sound effects, and a pianist who improvises the score.  Images appeared on the screen and everyone on stage acted it out.  It was wonderful!

The show takes place in the 1930s.  Molly, a Pulitzer prize winning reporter, and her sidekick Timmy, find themselves fighting an alien enemy with Bill, a time traveler from a future where Earth has already been completely defeated.  The plot is a bit campy, but the performers on stage make it so fun.  Their vocal work makes such distinct characters.  Watching them switch is amazing! It's just seamless!   The sound effects are neat because you get to see the items that create the noises.

I really enjoyed the Intergalactic Nemesis.  I'm looking forward to seeing book two!

The Katz Club Diner

Last night we went out to the Katz Club Diner to have dinner before a movie.   It was in a diner car type of building, but the food served was a bit on the fancy side.   Think of it as comfort food with a twist.   Pictured above are the duck hot dogs I had.You read that right.  Hot dogs made out of duck meat, served with with cider braised leeks, roasted rittman apples, fonduta and house mustard.  It was tasty and very filling.  The fries were nicely salted too.

Steve had the new creation lamb meatballs with grits, broccoli, rosemary, honey, and goat feta.  It sounds like an odd combination, but it was really quite tasty.

We also had a couple of drinks from their soda fountain.  To the left is an affogato, which is basically a scoop of ice cream with espresso on top.  I ordered a choco-peanut banana milkshake, but they were out of bananas.  It was still tasty.  Nice chunks of peanuts too.

I really want to try their desserts.  They have stuff like birthday cake and homemade versions of popular commercial snack cakes.   I would definitely visit again.

Rock of Ages

We saw Rock of Ages last night!   That was fun!  It's a jukebox musical, meaning that existing music (in this case 80s rock) is used in a storyline.  Classic musical convention storyline of moving to a new place and chasing your dreams.  However, the fourth wall is broken many times for hilarious effect!

I enjoyed it, but it is a lot louder than a traditional show.   Some audience members left early because of the great volume.   I recommend bringing ear plugs.   

The Diner on Clifton

Nothing like a cold day to have a nice warm bowl of macaroni and cheese!   We went out tonight to the Diner on Clifton to have dinner with some friends.  It's a cozy place, with traditional diner furniture.  It can be a little drafty because they only have the single door.   Pictured above is the artichoke dill bake.  It has feta and cream cheeses and baked into a casserole served with crunchy pita chips.   It's nicely tart and salty.

I had the fish and chips, except I had the macaroni and cheese instead because I'm not a big fan of french fries.   I really liked the caper tartar sauce.  Yummy!

The macaroni and cheese side dish was creamy with bread crumbs on top.  I added a little bit of salt and I really enjoyed it.  I wasn't able to finish it, so I'll have it for lunch tomorrow.

Steve had the macaroni and cheese with chicken for his entree.   As you can see, it's huge!   I think between his leftovers and mine, we have about 3 servings of pasta for lunch tomorrow.  

El Carnicero

We had brunch this afternoon at El Carnicero, a new modern Mexican restaurant in Lakewood.  The place was decorated in Mexican wrestling theme, with various masks and posters adorning the space.

Mexican food is yummy, but it's not my favorite, mostly because it disagrees with me.  Still, it was a nice restaurant with many options.

We had the regular guacamole and chips as our appetizer.  It fed the three of us.   They had a few variations that we might try next time. 

chilaquiles verde | smoked salmon | swiss cheese | braised spinach | tomatillo verde salsita | huevo fritos This is from the brunch menu.

el cordero | negra modelo braised lamb This is from the regular menu.  Steve was able to finish it.   It was tasty.

huevos rancheros | chorizo sausages | tostada y frijoles | chiltomate sauce | huevo fritos  This was tasty, but a bit heavy on the beans for my liking.  I ended up taking much of it home.

New Year's Brunch at the Market

We went out today to celebrate the New Year at the Market in Rocky River.   They had their Sunday brunch menu today.  I liked it food, and it wasn't nearly as crowded as I expected.  Pictured above is the Chicken and Waffles I had.   The chicken was fried in a buttermilk batter, the waffles were chipotle corn, and the gravy was a nice touch.  You can have them served with eggs for just 2 dollars more.   I really liked them.   I have leftovers for later.

I had my eggs over medium

We had the muffin of the day, strawberry banana.  There were generous chunks of fruit in there.  Yummy without the need for jam or butter.

Steve had the breakfast tacos, which contained black bean spread, chorizo, scrambled eggs and queso fresco with salsa and sour cream.  He was able to finish it and he quite enjoyed it.

Fun place to start the new year.  I'm looking forward to trying their dinner and lunch options.