Do you know what the end of August brings?

HighSchoolSports.Net Friday Night Fever!

It's true!

I don't want to admit it. I'm digging the 90 degree temperatures and baseball season.

However, our coverage of HighSchoolSports.Net Friday Night Fever kicked off Friday night with the best sports team in town consisting of Jim Donovan, Dave Chudowsky, and Lynn Olszowy, as well as Friday Night Fever sports producer Brian Crane....among so many others who lend their skills to wkyc's coverage of high school football.




A group of animated, knowledgeable gurus (including our very own Romona Robinson) give their spin on who will win each Friday. 'The Predictors' airs during the 6pm news.



Then wkyc cameramen en masse head out to shoot their games criss crossing Northeast, Northwest, and Southern regions of our viewing area to give the viewers the most comprehensive high school football coverage around!



Back at the ranch, we take down scores....I welcome any of my facebook and twitter contacts to send me their scores from Northeast Ohio every Friday evening.



We have bloggers who constantly update wkyc.com with the latest highlights, scores, and stories on how each game is progressing throughout the evening.




And last, but certainly not least, we must have the traditional Friday night fever feast which consists of Pat Woodside's con queso and home made cookies....more people are getting into the act as producer Amanda says she will be making her homemade meatballs one week, producer Jon's talking up his homemade chili, and skies the limits! We welcome any and all homemade vittles to augment our other snacks and pizza from various restaurants around town.



You won't want to miss this year's coverage of HighSchoolSports.Net Friday Night Fever right here on Channel 3 News every Friday night at 11pm! Tune in!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Kalie's Family Restaurant

One of the keywords in this restaurant name: Family.

Their slogan--"Strives for Great Food & Service" is spot on.

Not only have we had a tremendous meal every time we've eaten there, but value their impeccable service and hospitality.

We've been in there when the place was completely empty before the rush and were treated as if we were being served a meal in our own dining room. Yet, after church or other occasions when the room is at capacity, everyone gets the same personalized treatment.

I don't know what they do but I hope they keep doing it!

Kalie's Family Restaurant on Mayfield Road just below Green Road in South Euclid grabs you the first time you dine and keeps bringing you back time and time again. They pride themselves on repeat customers and referrals.

Kalie's staff welcomes all patrons as if they ARE family. The manager/owner takes a vested interest in each and every customer. The regular customers may even get a welcoming hug!

They do supply 'service with a smile.'

And the food --mouth watering delicious. The menu has an over-abundance of choices to please just about anyone, including the finicky eater. They have sandwiches including their specialty hot corned beef, gyros, a wide variety of breakfasts, daily home made soups, and old fashioned milk shakes.

No one leaves hungry. The last time we were there, we ordered the french toast (you can get 2 or 3 pieces), eggs made to your liking, your favorite meat choice of bacon, sausage or ham, and pretty much anything else you can imagine.

Kalie's is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Take a trip to Kalie's Family Restaurant (on an empty stomach) at 4446 Mayfield Road in South Euclid and you too will see why they are this week's Hidden Gem!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: The Fabulous Food Show

I am a huge fan of The Food Network and the bevy of shows they air on a daily basis. It seems I can not get enough of their competitions and their culinary delights.

So you say you are not as enthusiastic as I?

That's quite alright. But I would like to share why whether you are a fan of food or not, having the Fabulous Food Show in Cleveland, Ohio is a win-win situation for Northeast Ohio.

The Fabulous Food Show people term this event as the "Midwest's largest taste try and buy culinary celebration."

This show does not happen in every city. For the last number of years Cleveland, Ohio has been chosen as the host and on their website they are already planning for the show coming back in 2010.

It's an extremely huge honor.

As Michael Symon explained during one of his demo's, Cleveland is one of the leaders in culinary excellence. If you look at cities with our same demographics, size, or even bigger, Cleveland by far has many more local, thriving restaurants. Local is the key word. Who cares about chains? We have so many local chefs who have turned their dreams into reality.

The celebrity chefs who come into town each year LIKE Cleveland and enjoy their visit.

How could they not enjoy their trip this year with the added bonus of 70 degree temperatures!

The 2009 show featured Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, Tyler Florence, Sandra Lee, Jason Roberts, and of course the Ambassador for Cleveland, Iron Chef Michael Symon.

Bobby Flay absolutely LOVED Cleveland. He could not stop talking about how wonderful the people were everywhere he went. Symon took him to the Cleveland Cavs game Saturday night and he had a terrific time (especially seeing his friend Shaq!). Flay said the Knicks fans really need to get as revved up as the Cleveland Cavs fans! Flay and his wife ate at Lola's and could not say enough about Michael Symon, his talent, his staff, the hospitality, and Symon's influence on Cleveland.

When you go to this show, it's similar to others at the I-X Center in the respect that there are booths up and down each aisle. This show, however, doesn't tout floor tilers or hot tub retailers (though a hot tub is not a bad idea) but local food distributors, restaurants, and everything food and drink!

One local woman sold the most amazing Ultimate Brownies. Another stand sold Frappe Vino.

Though these distributors are trying to sell their fares, they all give out free samples. I've never seen so many people lined up from booth to booth just to get a small taste of pasta, a meatball, or a cannoli.

I must admit, I don't stand in those lines. I'd rather see the cooking demos with the stars and walk around to get a glimpse of the stands.

Someone said 'if you go home hungry from these shows, it's your own fault.' Well, I must admit, by 6pm Sunday night, I still had not had a lick of food all day but totally enjoyed my visit.

It was a real treat for me to see my co-worker and friend Jacquie Chakirelis. Jacquie runs our "Momlikeme.com" website. They had a stand at the show and said it was a complete success. There were so many people in attendance all weekend. If you have not logged on to this website yet, please do. It's not just for Mom's, though that is it's focal point. They help Moms with every aspect you can think of, including feeding a family on a budget. There are some pretty hot topics we all get involved in on the website. It's really an interesting site. I suggest popping on some time.

I just can not say enough about the show. They have home made food, they have demonstrations, live music, celebrities, tips, and so much more.

I was lucky enough to attend the Bobby Flay Show and the Michael Symon Show. Not only were both entertaining but they each cooked up three meals to absolutely die for! They offered tremendous tips, especially with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and again, could not say enough good things about Cleveland.

If you've never been to the Fabulous Food Show, I strongly suggest hitting it in 2010. And if you have attended the show and been tantalized by the tremendous tastes, then you too, know why I've chosen The Fabulous Food Show as this week's Hidden Gem!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Vintage Ohio Wine Festival 2009

You talk about the 'perfect' festival for Northeast Ohio.

For those of you unfamiliar, Northeast Ohio has dozens and dozens of local wineries producing some of the best wine in the world.

It's quite amazing but than again, not. The old adage holds true, it is 'the best location in the nation.'

Yet again, Vintage Ohio comes back to Lake County.

Held every year at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, a two-day festival where you can find anything and everything, even if you are NOT a wine connoisseur.

First of all, the grounds of Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland, just breathtaking this time of year with all the foliage, flowers, animals, and earthly brilliance.

If you are not content with the surroundings, there is constant entertainment filling the air from start to finish.

Factor in over a dozen delicious restaurants to satisfy the hunger pangs as you wine taste all day long. And if you want to get down and dirty and try your hand at cooking, ICASI and The Loretta Paganini School of Cooking have classes and demonstrations all day long.

As I mentioned before, even if you are not partial to wine, there are many exhibitors set up and crafts on display to peruse and purchase throughout the festival.

And then of course, the star of the show--the main attraction. Almost two dozen wineries sharing their best of the best with show patrons.

It's quite the well-oiled machine. The show organizers have coordinated local lodging establishments to participate so that patrons are safe and happy! Attendees can stay at a local hotel or motel, grab the shuttle to the event, partake of the festivities and then safely ride back to their lodging.

People come from all over --not only Ohio but in from Pennsylvania as well as other states....this year, a group of college buddies spread out all over the country converged on Vintage Ohio as a mini-reunion.

The perfect weekend jaunt, really.

Believe it or not, preparation for Vintage Ohio 2010 has already begun, including planning for the 5K Race.

If you've never been, I urge you to keep your eyes on details for Vintage Ohio 2010, and then you too, will be able to 'sample' why Vintage Ohio is this week's Hidden Gem!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Harvest for Hunger

The 2009 Harvest for Hunger Campaign kicks off Friday, February 27 and may be one of the most crucial campaigns ever in light of today's economic windfalls.

This year's event takes place at Tower City Center at the grand staircase in the heart of downtown Cleveland Friday beginning at 11am. Join the 2009 co-chairs Terrance C. Z. Egger of the Plain Dealer and Fred Nance of Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey L.L.P. Mayor Frank Jackson, and County Commissioners Jimmy Dimora, Tim Hagan, and Peter Lawson Jones should be on hand to share their thoughts on why this program is essential to Northeast Ohio's hunger relief ventures.

Believe it or not, Harvest for Hunger has been touted as one of the largest hunger relief efforts in the nation.

You can make a donation or drop off food at your local food pantry.

Many local grocery stores band together and make it quite easy to help this cause. While you are shopping for yourself or your family, you can remember those less fortunate who can not. In the check out line, you can make a dollar, 5 dollar or ten dollar donation added to your tab.

Most local television, radio, and newspapers get the word out on this state-wide project to gain as much attention as possible in giving assistance to those who need it most and to those who HELP those in need such as the local food pantries.

There are many charities out there. I've touched on this before. As many people blanket the earth is as many charities present in our world. Some never touch our lives. But, I bet that every person reading this entry knows someone down on their luck. Maybe they've been laid off or fired, lost their house in a foreclosure case, can't really afford the rising utility bills, gas for the car, or have charged their credit cards to the max to pay for essentials.

I'm sure Clevelanders will shine through yet again. We always do!

The great thing about Harvest for Hunger is that the money stays here, and helps our neighbors and friends.

I know we each have our favorite charities. I wanted to make Harvest for Hunger this week's Hidden Gem to get the word out. Clevelanders need to come through to help Harvest for Hunger beat last year's tally and achieve this year's goal of 2.7 million dollars.

Honestly, we never know when WE will be that someone turning for help at a local food bank, a hot meal program, or an area shelter. Just think about it....

The show must go on

Though the 11pm show must go on, that does not mean we can not get 'festive' for the Fiesta Bowl!

I've learned over the years that each shift in a Newsroom has its ups and downs. When you work in the news business, 'sacrifice' is no stranger, it's a part of life.

The night shift seems to take a few more bumps and bruises, though.

Let's face it, the dayside folks can still hit happy hour, have dinner with their families, go to parent-teacher conferences or band concerts, enjoy a LeBron James dunk or sit in the Company Loge at an Indians game, attend a wake, or jam to a Rock and Roll Concert. Folks may be a little groggy the next morning, but the daylong daze, well worth it!

The overnight folks can do all of the above as well. They, too, may be dragging a bit as they head straight into work from their shindig, but at least, they can enjoy their affair!

The night shift is pretty much shut out from any function after 2pm. In order to attend a 2 and a half hour concert, an entire vacation day must be wasted. You can not serve on any boards which meet at night ....can not adequately participate in any church events or on any committees.....attend Choir practice...have band rehearsals....or engage in 80 percent of life's activities!!!

That's life.

Just because the show must go on, does not mean life must stop as we know it.

The OSU Buckeyes are playing Texas in the Fiesta Bowl. The night shift knows how to throw a kickin' par-tay!! Why should tonight be any different! After a few calls, an impromptu soiree sprung to life!

Betsy's crab dip to die for.....Matt kept it healthy with a wonderful fruit platter.....P. Woodside--always the over achiever!! He made his famous conqueso dip, meat balls and double chocolate cookies! Toss in my kielbasi and homemade sauerkraut, baby smoked sausage in a special raspberry sauce, spinach dip, cheese and crackers, cookies and candy galore...lots of holiday 'left overs!' Overall, a smashing success.

Now, as of this writing, I hope that the OSU outcome mirrors the carnival atmosphere in the newsroom!

Go Bucks!

Producer Dan --as you can see, spittin' image of Coach Tressel!!! And both of them produce successful programs!!!!

Magical snow globe physically & emotionally drained

It's like day and night.

Yesterday, full staff PLUS.....people from other parts of the building helping out in the newsroom and people from out-of-house coming into our home to assist on the most comprehensive election coverage in town.

Today, back to the normal, hard-working grind.

I pull into the parking garage and can actually find a spot, multiple spots.

I walk into the newsroom and there are only about a dozen people right now working away.

It's like someone let the sparkling water out of our gigantic, election night news snow globe. Just physically and emotionally drained.

What has NOT changed: all the food that continues to circulate around the newsroom. This MUST stop. My willpower level is non-existent right now. I am definitely not near starvation by a long shot but have the mindset that I will never see another Cheryl & Co. fudge brownie --ever again!!!!!!



Back to NEVER a dull moment. It's more intense and busier on NON-ELECTION days. On election night, that is your one goal, your focal point.

The other 364 days are non-stop, grueling days with dozens of tentacles whipping around constantly thrashing at you. You have to stay moving and multi-task to make it through the day successfully. News comes from all angles, all topic matters and you must pick and choose and decide the news of the day. Sometimes it's just you in the newsroom. No one to cover the phones while you make a restroom pit stop or grab an apple so you don't pass out.


Back to reality!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: The West Side Market

Not hidden and certainly not new, opening back in 1840 across from the current location. It is deemed the oldest indoor-outdoor market place. The West Side Market was just designated by the American Planning Association's 'Great Places in America program' as one of 10 Great Public Spaces for 2008. Criteria included 'its functionality as a neighborhood gathering place and fresh food market, its engaging atmosphere, and its role as an anchor in the community stimulating nearby commercial and residential activity.'

Believe it or not, many people have NOT had the experience or pleasure of visiting the West Side Market located at West 25th and Lorain in Cleveland, Ohio.

A slice of Cleveland Americana yet Old World all wrapped into one!

A piece of history.

You walk in and immediately know this visit will become a weekly ritual, if only for the delicious savory aromas swirling about.

Year round each holiday brings the mad dash to the Market for holiday fares specific to that religion, to that nationality, to that celebration.

I've been fortunate to have exposure to the West Side Market my entire life. And because of that I took a wonderful course in college.

My Freshman Colloquium class read 'To Market To Market' by Joanne Lewis. This book focused on the charm and history of the West Side Market. We would read about a stand, a family and the history behind it and then go for a visit! I thought, if this is what college is all about, it's not half bad!

Each stand has its own unique story oftentimes depicting the family nationality. Each family has a rich history overflowing with pride.

On one occasion, our class loaded up on extremely ethnic fares we'd never had before. We stored all the food in our professor's fridge and freezer until our dinner party. She just about passed out when she opened her freezer to find a few baby rabbits resting peacefully.

If you have not been to the West Side Market, you must go. You WILL find something that's pleasing to your palate. Outside stands overflow with freshly grown fruits and vegetables. Buyer beware: pack your own bags and pick your own produce! There are some vendors who will not give you the healthy food you see out front. They sneakily pack your bag with wilting, bruised foodstuffs.

When you enter the inner sanctum, the aromas intoxicate you.

You must stop by every stand and have a little taste of the cheeses and dairy items, the meats and poultry, pastries, pierogies and fresh sauerkraut, pastas, homemade breads and peanut butter, smoked items, and spices galore along with so much other food from various nationalities. They have a fish market. Grab a tasty kobasi sandwich to munch on while you aimlessly wander the aisles!

Please make a trip to the West Side Market soon. They are open Monday (7-4), Wednesday (7-4), Friday and Saturday (7-6). Just follow your nose and, you too, will see why The West Side Market is this week's Hidden Gem!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(photo Courtesy wkyc.com /channel 3 videographers)

Today's Hidden Gem: Michael Symon

Michael Symon is my first 'individual human' Hidden Gem. And he is far from being hidden. He is all over the airwaves these days.

Michael continues using his magnificent craft to showcase the city he loves. He hopes to enlighten as many folks as he can and open up eyes around the world to Cleveland's culinary excellence!

For those of you who do NOT know Michael Symon, he is the owner of two fabulous restaurants in town --Lola and Lolita.

He battled long and hard to become the newest 'Iron Chef' in "Iron Chef America," which airs on The Food Network.

Now you can add "Dinner: Impossible" to his long resume list! "Dinner: Impossible" pushes Symon to the ultimate limit. Basically, Symon does not know his mission until he arrives on site. At that time he will be told who he is cooking for, how many, what he needs to cook, how he needs to cook it, and how much time he has to pull this off.

The most recent "Dinner: Impossible" was shot right here in Northeast Ohio. It was great! Michael Symon had to cook up a Passover meal for the members of The Park Synagogue. I believe he was given about 6 or 7 hours. Michael admitted during the show numerous times that this was a first on many fronts. He had never made kugel. He had to cook totally kosher. There were many foods within the menu he had never cooked or eaten.

The show was a hoot and extremely entertaining. You knew he'd succeed but he was up against 'you know what' until the end! Symon and his staff were briefed by Rabbi Skoff on what was expected. He laid the ground rules, including the fact that all the food had to be kosher. There were certain items that were no-no's. They had to cook with certain pans and equipment, being Passover. They had a woman from the Synagogue who was their guide, reminding them of the rules and offering helpful tips. She was great! What a joy to watch.

The countdown clock began. While his staff started in the kitchen, Michael went to a nearby grocery store for some last minute items. When he returned, the Rabbi had to check all of his groceries before he even entered the building. There was one non-kosher item that had to stay in the car. It set him back, but he rebounded well.

Michael Symon, a talented chef, good-hearted human being, and perfect ambassador for the City of Cleveland!

Visit one of his restaurants, tune into one of his shows, and you too, will see why Michael Symon has been chosen as this week's Hidden Gem!!!!