Tracey’s Tastes – Part 2
🍂 Fall Turns to Frost (and Festive Lights)
Boy, when the weather changes in the Midwest, it does it in the blink of an eye! It feels like no sooner had Halloween been ushered out the door than the cooler air came marching in — unapologetically. Does that mean the Christmas decorations are next? You bet. The neighborhood has gone full-on Clark Griswold-albeit a little more modestly. At least it makes my daily walks more entertaining — and yes, the deer that wander through the streets barely bat an eye. They mosey along like they own the place, crossing driveways and lawns like they’re out for their morning coffee. Honestly, they’re practically the neighborhood dogs at this point.
🖼️ A Day at the Cleveland Museum of Art (CAM)
I finally made it to the Cleveland Museum of Art, and wow — what a gem. The structure itself is stunning, surrounded by a lush park, a reflecting lake, and none other than Rodin’s The Thinker watching over it all. Directly across the green, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History shows off its own personality — complete with a dinosaur statue greeting you at the door — proof that Cleveland does culture and whimsy equally well.
I was lucky enough to catch the temporary exhibition “Renaissance to Runway: Enduring Italian Houses.” It was a breathtaking display of more than 100 contemporary Italian fashions interwoven with textiles and designs from the 1400s to early 1600s. The collection beautifully connected historical inspiration with modern creativity — think Missoni, Pucci, Versace, and Marras, just to name a few.
The immersive video that greets you upon entry draws a stunning visual line between Italian Renaissance art and the couture houses that continue to channel that heritage.
It’s glamorous, thoughtful, and absolutely worth seeing before it ends on February 1, 2026.
🍽️ Dining Highlights: From Lakeside Views to Late-Night Laughs
Pier W – Lakewood
With sweeping views of Lake Erie, Pier W is a Cleveland institution — elegant, timeless, and romantic. The menu focuses on seafood, and the piano bar adds just the right touch of old-school glamour. We celebrated my aunt’s birthday there, and between the company, the view, and the wine, it was pure magic.
Thyme X Table – Bay Village (@thymextable)
Casual yet sophisticated, Thyme X Table has been voted “Best of Cleveland” more than once — and for good reason. The vibe is cozy and unpretentious, the staff is friendly, and the food… well, let’s just say the famed Loaded Lobster Tots lived up to the hype — warm, decadent, and dangerously easy to demolish.
Cabin Club – Westlake
Right around the corner from Crocker Park sits The Cabin Club, a steakhouse tucked inside a genuine WWII-era log cabin. The ambiance is pure rustic charm — warm woods, lodge lighting, and a bustling bar.
Saturday night was packed, but luck was on our side and we snagged three bar seats. The bar menu was surprisingly extensive, and we kicked off with the Wagyu beef carpaccio topped with horseradish crema. Paired with a crisp French 75, it was absolute bliss. The bartender was fantastic — warm, attentive, and full of recommendations.
Il Rione – Detroit Shoreway
Just down the street from the Capitol Theatre, this rustic-chic and effortlessly cool pizza joint might be one of my favorite finds. Set in a renovated 1917 pub, Il Rione serves up New York–style pies with serious attitude. We ordered the Speck Pizza and the Arugula Salad with polenta croutons — both prepared to perfection. The eclectic decor, low lighting, and neighborhood buzz make it one of those places where you instantly feel like a local.
Momocho – Ohio City (@momocho)
If you’re craving a taqueria that takes things up a notch, Momocho is your spot. Self-described as “Authentico Mod Mex,” this place is all about flavor and fun. The vibe is hip — dim lighting, luchador (Mexican wrestler) art, and a killer soundtrack.
We started with goat cheese guacamole (yes, goat cheese!) and one of their house salsas — choosing just one was a challenge since there are four. The spicy margaritas were phenomenal, and for dinner we shared Barbacoa, Machaca-style Taquitos, and Queso Fundido. There was more than enough for four people, and every bite was perfection.
Welcome to the Farm – The Flats East Bank
After Momocho, we made a late-night stop at Welcome to the Farm, a sprawling, country-themed bar and live music venue right on the Cuyahoga River. It’s part honky-tonk, part modern concert space, and totally beer-forward.
The crowd skewed young, the music was lively, and while there was no mechanical bull (thankfully), my cousin and friend did discover the mechanical horse near the entrance. Thankfully, we were out of quarters — because that could’ve gone viral for all the wrong reasons.
🎬 Capitol Theatre – Gordon Square District
Located in the Gordon Square Arts District, the Capitol Theatre has been a Cleveland landmark for over a century. It’s old-school in the best way — classic marquee, buttered popcorn, and now… reclining seats! Watching a movie there feels like stepping back in time, only with better legroom.
🛍️ Crocker Park – Westlake
For a day of shopping and strolling, Crocker Park is the place. It’s an upscale open-air mall that somehow manages to feel both chic and hometown-familiar. You’ll find everything from Anthropologie to boutique shops and cafes sprinkled in between.
The Barnes & Noble here deserves a special shoutout — it’s one of the largest I’ve been to in years, with an excellent selection of books, gifts, and stationery (a weakness of mine).
🦌 Neighborhood Notes & Seasonal Walks
Everyday life here has its own kind of beauty. Between the crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the casual appearance of deer wandering through yards like locals, Cleveland has officially grown on me. It’s not just a stop on my trip — it’s a little slice of Midwest magic.
Tracey's Tastes 
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