Comments? Questions? Happy to answer queries (such as who really made that cassoulet, and why wasn't tony out there surfing?).
--oh, and meant to put this link up, the world's largest used bookstore and Twinkie syrup dispenser.
--and The Sausage Shoppe.
French Laundry at Home
Did you guys put on your PJs and have a pillow fight when the taping was over? Just curious.
ruhlman
i'll only say that we still can't use the downstairs bathroom.
Danina
Did you have to instruct Mr. Soft Palms on how to cut up the pig? And speaking of soft palms, I actually think he said "If there's no in room porn, I'm not getting any exercise at all". Was that the PG rated version?
mb
when was that taped?
Frances
Good show! Love seeing you and Mr. Bourdain together. Thanks for featuring Michael Symon and Lola. It was cool to see the inside of that place. I'd only seen photos of the work in progress (which was rather like The Agony And The Ecstasy).
FoodPuta
ok, I'll accept Cleveland into society, simply based on the meat content.
I don't care who made the Cassoulet. I'm just happy that ANYONE did!!
Not so sure about turd-surfing though....
French Laundry at Home
Methinks the missus deserves a nice piece of jewelry or some other bling for allowing Bourdain within 50 feet of your children.
J.Smith
hey m.,
when will we see the iron chef battle of pardus/ruhlman vs. lagasse/bourdain? i'd work a year for free to witness that!
Karin
How much did the editors have to condense the making of the cassoulet, time-wise? That thing's quite the multi-day affair, as I understand it.
(Unrelated: I just made the fennel-cured salmon from the Charcuterie book, and it was declared a total success in my household. Great stuff; looking forward to trying more recipes from the book.)
The Central Scrutinizer
A very entertaining episode! Although pretty much anything that includes cassoulet is good in my book...
Also a nice salute to midwestern foods without dwelling on the prevalence of "salads" that include Jell-O as their primary ingredient!
Heather
a glorious display of porcine gluttony
FoodPuta
Comon Mr. Ruhlman, your acting just isn't that good. You couldn't hide your enjoyment of Skyline Cuisine.
Next for you, is straight to Chico's in El Paso.
Admit it man, you love Gov'ment cheese!!!!
ruhlman
tony, surprising though it may seem, knows his way around a pig with a knife. in fact, i haven't seen the guy look happier than when he had a big knife in his hand and actually working with food and deli paper and working in an actual kitchen.
show taped mid january, VERY cold.
cassoulet of course couldn't be shown start to finish. tony came to cleveland a week early to cure and cook the confit and make the sausage.
oregoncoastgirl
Potty mouth. 😉
Chicago Karen
Dear Michael - It was a real enjoyment to see this episode. Since winter you and Tony have mentioned the week making the Cleveland episode often on your blog and was familiar with where you took Tony and the crew, and meeting Harvey and Markey but, the graphic visuals and the desolate neighborhoods gave the show so much richness. Almost as rich as that cassoulet Tony made. ha
There are a few nieghborhoods in Chicago that have that worn with pride look, they are changing rapidly along with our butcher markets too.
Thanks for bringing No Reservations to Cleveland. Been there three times - now I have to go back to see that bookstore. Amazing.
- question..I've been looking for a pate terrine like that, ist it French? Most are too wide.
david m. lemoine
Great episode tonight. Always a pleasure to see you give Bourdain a run for his money. It's too bad I'm all the way out in Massachusetts, because my Polish ancestry was salivating during those meal scenes. My Dziadu would have been proud.
Tom Luffman
Skyline Chili in Cleveland?
Next time I wanna see the Baconator since Wendys is from Columbus.
Carri
You were right in that it was one of the most entertaining of No Reservations episodes, but I think that the two of you at the Velvet Tango Room would've topped it off 'nicely'. Next time, perhaps!
Vince
Fun episode, but I wish the Velvet Tango Room was included. That place would have given people a different impression of Cleveland besides the blue collar industrial town that we saw on teh show.
Sorcha
Why was there no "Cleveland Steamer" joke when y'all were hanging out with the surfers? I mean, it was perfect timing for one, what with how the camera kept going back to the sewage warning sign.
Seriously though, even from an objective non-fangirly point of view (which we do occasionally manage to attain), it was a great show. I had no idea that bookstore existed - makes our own Powell's here in Portland seem second-rate, even! And I really liked how you guys talked about Cleveland's troubles as well as the cool stuff. It made the show more human and real.
Sorcha
French Laundry @ Home - I'd pay good money to see that pillow fight, wouldn't you?
Kal
I was terribly excited to see your kitchen, Ruhlman -- after reading about how it came to be in House: A Memoir, it was great to see the finished product.
Mostly I was just relieved that you didn't let Tony get away with ALL of the smack talk. If anybody deserves to spout R-rated language at Tony on Tony's own show, it's you (especially after that Buford crack -- sheesh!).
Let's see, questions, questions. Did you let Bourdain stay at your place after being such a brat to you, or did Mr. Softy Palms value the comfort of a fancy hotel over friendly hospitality? (Or were you wise enough to decline offering him 24/7 access to your loved ones (and that includes your kitchen) in the first place?)
Also: What's one foodie destination in Cleveland you really wish had been featured on the show but, for whatever reason, didn't make it in?
exclevelander
Thanks for the show and giving me a couple of ideas on places to eat with my family back in Cleveland next time I visit . By the way how about your terrine recipe since you gave out Tony's cassoulet recipe . I have one of the Le Cruset terrines like the one you had on the show at your house . I could use another pate' recipe for it .
jennifer
lovely show! a few questions:
1) please refresh my memory, what horrible thing did you do to tony in the vegas show? I just remember the flying elvises...
2) can we get a link to the cleveland article in which you call tony an "uppity New Yorker"? although I found that a bit unfair because you were the one turning up your nose at Skyline Diner...
🙂
fabulous episode, and let me add my regrets how the velvet tango room did not get filmed for this episode...looks amazing.
Simon
Ruhlman, I think you need a Quote of the Day for tomorrow.
Will this one do?
"I mean as much as I love rabbit, who in the real world eats it? Unless Elmer Fudd is one of your VIP customers, Rabbit With Parisian Gnocchi (Parisian gnocchi is lighter, made with flour, egg whites and sometimes cheese -- no potatoes) shouldn’t be served for a first course, second course or any course."
That is, of course, from Rocco, the new kinda full-time blogger at BRAVO's "Top Chef."
Last week he mentioned in passing that "it is scientifically impossible for molecules of starch to absorb molecules of fat." Alas, my fair roux! This week, it's the rabbit's turn.
Of course, Lidia Bastianich has rabbit on both her lunch and dinner menus at Felidia. Mario Battali serves it at Babbo. The Top Chef Guest Judge for that episode, Eminence Daniel Boulud, features a duo of rabbit at his flagship restaurant Daniel. Georges Perrier of Le Bec-Fin features it in several forms on his cold weather menus. Alas, poor Head Judge Tom Colicchio included Braised Rabbit in his "Craft of Cooking." And Bourdain, he was seen hurling rabbit dishes out the door at customers as Brasserie Les Halles.
Come to think of it, Rocco himself was slopping diners with rabbit dishes at Union Pacific, including his Rabbit Three Ways. Served Rabbit Cacciatore at "Rocco's on 22nd", and said it was so popular he had to put it in "Rocco's Italian American."
Rabbit on the menu... what's next, human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together - mass hysteria.
realitybites
Loved this No Reservations episode. The only thing missing was a blizzard. Could Tony have picked a better time to visit Northeast Ohio? Your scrunched up faces, squinting eyes, and hunched up shoulders said it all. The wind chill is one thing I don't miss at all about Ohio. It is an assault on the body. Just crossing a parking lot, with that cold wind blowing in your face... the thought of it gives me the chills.
I am almost finished reading The Soul Of A Chef. How great it was to hear Michael Symon's infectious laugh that you mentioned numerous times in your book.
Your home cooked dinner looked wonderful. What a nice family. Thanks for putting Cleveland on the map for all the NR fans.
I'd like to see Tony return to Cleveland in the summer. Take him to Cedar Point in Sandusky. Nothing like amusement park food coupled with roller coaster rides.
KingTafur
Great show Mr. Ruhlman. It was nice to see the West Side Market again, and made we wonder if places like the Polka dancing Sterle's Slovenian Country House, the Lakewood Deli, the Little Chinese place with Engrish menus, and the Communist book store on Detroit complete with a Joseph Stalin mannequin is still opened. It almost made me miss Cleveland, almost.
maggie
I was born in Ohio City, the neighborhood in Cleveland where the West Side Market is located. The huge building where Tony & Mr Ruhlman went shopping...that is the West Side Market. Undoubtedly the best market in the mid-west!! Anyway, I have lived in Columbus, and I'm now living in Sandusky. Cleveland is far more interesting than Columbus...and Sandusky? Believe me, there is nothing here except a beautiful shoreline and Cedar Point. When the "summer people" leave, Sandusky will be a ghost-town. People go where the jobs are. No jobs = no people. I wish Ohio leaders and politicians would work together to bring more commerce to our state. Oh...if anyone is thinking about a trip to Cleveland, go NOW! No snow, no ice, no gray. The old girl cleans-up pretty nice in the summer.
Doodad
That was an absolute hoot. I stayed up beyond my scheduled slumbertime to watch and was rewarded. I laughed until I hurt.
Eating the (how old?) twinkie syrup out of the freshly cracked valve? I almost fell over laughing.
And the sewage blowhole. All I can say is hmmmm.
brandon_w
realitybites I could not agree more, indeed it was great to hear Micahel Symon's laugh. I finished the Soul of a Chef about a week ago and was wondering what that laugh sounded like.
Cleveland has been added to the list of places to travel to. I'd like to make a stop for snacks at that sausage store and then head to the book store to eat sausages and look for books.
courtney
Loved it! Currently living in Lakewood, it was wonderful to see someone promoting the local area and actually feel 'genuine' (unlike Cleveland +)! I laughed the whole way through. Thank you for instilling my love for the city all over again.
Cori Sesling
Hilarious episode! The food looked fantastic, too. Cassoulet - an ode to fat. So true.
ruhlman
tony stayed at the Ritz downtown. a no smoking hotel--figure that one out.
food places i wish they'd shot, the Velvet Tango Room (even Tony was upset they didn't get that on camera) paul minnillo's amazing raw milk cheeses:
http://www.baricelli.com/cheese.html
and adam gidlow's on the rise bakery, best baguettes in the country:
http://search.cityguide.aol.com/cleveland/restaurants/on-the-rise-artisan-breads/v-307342
Here's a link to the le creuset terrine mold i use. there are none better: http://astore.amazon.com/ruhlmancom/detail/B0007T25YS/104-2930446-6174321
what happens in vegas...etc. let's just say tony's behavior was so appalling he had no choice but to get the hell out of there.
and i'll look for the Plain Dealer article, which was by Sarah Crump.
Big Red
Ruhlman,
As I posted last night right after the show, great episode. I really enjoyed it. as for a pillow fight, that is as much porn as Tony could handle at 50+.
I will in fact be going to the bookstore shown ASAP. I am a HUGE reader and it was nice to see something like that is still in existance.
I am now going to the butcher to get some pork.
Once again, great episode. DO another one!!!
nina keneally
I thought it was brilliant. On every level. Not at all a "typical" (whatever the hell that is) episode. But wonderfully written, drawn, photographed, produced.
And the fun you guys had came through the screen. I do feel like my cholesterol went up a few notches just watching; I can't believe I recognized summer sausage - something my uncle Joe Grabowski the butcher used to make along with his own kielbasa. A fine idea to share what makes Cleveland unique; sometimes in our hunger for travel and "the other," we forget what's in our own backyards.
brandon_w
I forgot to mention that my favorite part of the episode was when Ruhlman was scolded by Pekar for cursing at the dinner table.
Slightly off topic, but Ruhlman I recognized your kitchen. I don't know from what show exactly, obviously some sort of cooking show. Did you once do a guest spot for a Food TV show about making your own bacon? At the time of viewing this I had no idea who you were, but I'm sure that's the same kitchen. Please tell me I'm not crazy.
Dan
I'm impressed by your wife. I think it takes a pretty special woman to allow her husband out on an unsupervised excursion with Tony Bourdain.
JoP in Omaha
Fun episode. Little did I know that Cleveland was a surfing mecca. Who would have guessed?
I enjoyed the bits with Mike Symon. A bit of his personality came through, more so than it did on Iron Chef where due to the time pressure, there wasn't time for personality.
Also cool was to see the interior of Lola. After reading about it in "Soul", I appreciated the peak inside.
Lastly, what a joy to see watch you and Bourdain cooking in your kitchen. Oh, what I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall to watch such an event live and in person. But.....you'd probably smack me if I were a fly on the wall, wouldn't you? Run a contest or something, will ha, with this as the prize? Even better would be watching you and Keller cook. Wow. Wouldn't that be something?
I enjoyed the episode indeed.
JoP in Omaha
edwina
i must be the only person on earth who didn't think the episode was good.
i love tony but i thought he was taking too much pleasure in pointing out the things he thinks that suck about cleveland. i realize the filming of the show is time limited but c'mon there are tons of other places they could have gone to. i'm deeply disappointed in his portrayal. [lola excluded]
chefwannab
Loved it! Loved the Harvey Pekar segment too. I also wish the Velvet Tango Room had been featured. That post you did made me want to visit Cleveland more than anything I saw on NR. Surely you took Tony there (or did you keep that gem all to yourself, refusing to defile it with his presence?)
You'll have to ask Tony if he plans on doing a "bloopers" segment at the end of the season - I wonder what outtakes we'd get from Cleveland?....
Also, isn't Symon going to be one of the Next Top Chef contestants? Hopefully we'll get to hear more of that laugh!
david
One of the most looked forward to 'No Reservations' episodes in a long time. I didn't even wait for TiVo to pick it up and then play it back, I watched in real time. (Quite the rare event now.)
I must say that the sausage looked fantastic, is there a website to order online from those folks?
Overall, one of the most interesting episodes Tony has ever done.
Looks like you can eat good food in the heartland. Who knew, as you keep it such a secret.
Dana
Michael,
Nice house, beautiful wife, well-behaved kids (well, there was that unfortunate shirt over the head incident) . . . you’re living the American Dream, my friend.
Of course now that Bourdain has the address . . . he’ll be over there all the time wanting you to cook for him…. oh and OSHA will be calling about the fingers in the grinder bit….
Dana
Jenj
great show, gentlemen. makes me want to make cassoulet for Christmas dinner - and of course, I nearly plotzed when Pekar dragged Toby out of the rainbow woodwork. Wish I was smokin' da kine herb wit cha.
Karin
Okay, another query: does Bourdain really like that stuff at Skyline Chili, or was he going through all that trouble just to wind you up?
Christian
Great episode, and I expected no less.
I could comment all day, but I do have one burning question: what was the breed of that beautiful swine, and how much would an entire pig like that cost? Give or take of course.
cheers from Philly
Vercingetrix
Bourdain and Ruhlman in my, and other's perspective, did a lot of PR damage to the city with their cynicism laced and poorly researched program. It's a shame that Bourdain wasted so much time on "Skalini's" while ignoring the wonderful old European deli 100' away around the corner. Even a jaunt to Lyndhurst's Tasty Pizza a mile to the West, talking about their honesty policy with the beverage cooler would have been kool. At every step of the show I was disappointed in the cynicism, lack of research and overall poor selection of topics.
The scenes with Pekar and that idiot in front of the Free Stamp smelled of the insensitivities a grade schooler might taunt a developmentally challenged child with before they realize what they are doing. I've met Michael Symon at the Velvet Tango Room several times and he is a really nice guy and has interesting dishes at his noisy Lola but why would Bourdain waste time on his show for him when Symon is already getting plenty of coverage on competing Food Network about his Cleveland AND newly opened NY operation (i.e. I want out of Cleveland). There are so many other creative chef's and restaurants in the area.
It's bad enough that they use February to highlight the crappy weather but rather than doing something with the cozy unique places even within a mile of Edgewater they idiotically dote over an emergency overflow sewer as if it was symbolic of Cleveland. (Never mind that cities like San Francisco always smell of raw sewage because their infrastructure, unlike Cleveland's, can only run Bourdane's poop down the open storm sewer pipes.) They could have gone a half mile West and gotten a spectacular view and meal at the newly redecorated Pier W or a few hundred yards south to the warmth of The Harp and it's primo pub food but instead waste video on further highlighting a half dozen nut cases, ersatz surfing in February on piddling waves. They get Great Lakes beer but never mentioned the neat restaurant the brewery has or the "je ne sais quoi" on a warm summer night on their street patio. (BTW I was at an upscale restaurant about a 7 hour drive from Cleveland on the Canadian Bruce Peninsula on Georgian bay 2 weeks ago where Great Lakes Beers were prominently mentioned by the waitress). Hot Sauce Williams is chosen apparently for it's heart attack on a dish specialties but they never bothered with not too far away long favorite Empress Tatu Ethiopian restaurant for real African food!
The list of poorly thought out scripting goes on and on but the final scenes with Bourdain cooking at Ruhlman's Shaker Heights home sent the signal that if you want a good meal in Cleveland it will have to be at home, never mind that a very short distance away in quaint Shaker Square are a number of independent restaurants that each serve unique memorable dishes!
With their focus on trashing Cleveland so ineptly, my only question is why Bourdain and Ruhlman did not have the time to also dote the spot where the Cuyahoga River caught on fire 40 years ago to make their showcase of Cleveland complete! In any case, Bourdain's show is off my cable for the future because I now realize how little real research he does on preparing a credible story.
The best thing that can happen now is that association with Ruhlman or Bourdain be listed along with tank tops, sweat shirts, torn jeans and ill fitting polyester pants as a reason for not being permitted into The Velvet Tango Room!
Casey
Great episode. Loved getting a glimpse of your kitchen and both the terrine and the cassoulet looked fabulous. I have all your books except for Charcuterie; now I'm going to have to add that to my Ruhlman collection.
szg
Alas, Christian may have a point.
My wife and I watched last night and her two comments afterwards are: "Ruhlman's hot" and we're never going to Cleveland, that place looks more depressing than Syracuse.
Tags
Still can't use the downstairs bathroom?
Try this miracle stench killer
http://www.whink.com/one_drop.htm
Maybe get a case for the Surf City Sewer Pipeline.
Christian
Hey, that wasn't me. I disagree completely. I've never for a second wanted a thing to do with Cleveland until last night. That beautiful market alone would be worth the trip.
Vercingetrix, do you even know who Harvey Pekar is? If so, you certainly have no appreciation for one of the greatest cult figures of the late 20th century.
"The scenes with Pekar and that idiot in front of the Free Stamp smelled of the insensitivities a grade schooler might taunt a developmentally challenged child with"
Are you aware of the irony in this statement? You call the man an idiot and then accuse the show of making Toby look like...an idiot? wow.
You may know that Michael Symon runs a restaurant in Cleveland, but I'd wager the VAST majority of viewers thought, "hey, wasn't that guy on Iron Chef or Food Network or something? He's got a restaurant in CLEVELAND?" That's simply good PR for the city.
"Hot Sauce Williams is chosen apparently for it's heart attack on a dish specialties but they never bothered with not too far away long favorite Empress Tatu Ethiopian restaurant for real African food!"
Once again, you seemed to have missed the point entirely. HSW was chosen to highlight the mix of southern soul food with eastern european food (Polish Boy) making it a uniquely Cleveland dining experience. I live in Philly and can get 5 different types of African food within 10 blocks of my home. I certainly can't get a Polish Boy.
You need to watch the show more carefully and stop with the pre-conceived notion that any show about Cleveland is automatically biased against it. Then again, don't bother. No skin off my nose. But don't bash the intentions of either Bourdain or Ruhlman when it seems that the true bias lies within you.
Wayne
I watched it last night. It was pretty good. The Skyline Chili and sewerage surfers really queased me out! You're a star Mr. R
Regards.
W
Big Red
szg- Syracuse is in fact more depressing than Cleveland. I have lived in both places. At least Cleveland has the RR hall of fame. But I laughed heartily at the comment. That and "Ruhlman's Hot". I would certainly boing Bourdain first. (only cause he reminds me of my high school crush on Steven Tyler) But Niether one of them are on my "to do" list.
ruhlman
Christian, thanks for that spirited defense. I love this city, for all it's faults and glories.
jaye joseph
Wow, that was a fantastic episode, totally worth the wait. As a fan of Pekar, that was my favorite part by far. Well, that and Zubal's (being the book slut that I am). All of it was fascinating. I'm floored that Cleveland is that interesting! But, that's the thing that No Reservations does so well...it shows the interesting aspects of places you'd never look twice at on a normal basis.
As an Art Director, I was blown away by the style of the episode as well. I'm sure that some of the influence will show up down the road in some of my work.
As a home cook in Texas, it made me long for a cool day so that I could make cassoulet. And also long for that paté recipe. Will you share that recipe if it's not in Charcuterie?
iereiavela
ahhhhhh- stop whining about how bad Cleveland looked or how so many great things about it were overlooked. When Tony went to New York, how many places were missed because the show isn't 8 years long, when he went to Tahiti did the pearl divers cry? No, as usual the show was filled with the kind of quirky and irreverent subjects I expect. How awesome was going to the R&R Music Hall of Fame with freakin' Marky Ramone!!! And if the lunatic soundtrack Mike Symon cooks pig that well, it's Bourdain's favorite food so of course he'd go there. I feel blessed by a glimpse into Ruhlman's kitchen and to see the two at work (Tony always goes to someone's home for the best food, because it's true! just normally the foods are cooked by a mom, not a legend of food writing collaborators), and as far as the portrayal of Cleveland, it looked like so many other cities in the aftermath of American industry's death. To treat it any prettier would have been lying. I appreciated Ruhlman's soundbites explaining his city, and Tony's backstory. Tony even apologized for leaving 50% of the population out of the segment, and I felt he meant the comment that he tried to represent. It was REAL.
jaye joseph
Vercingetrix, I'm doubting that you'll even come back to this board, but in case you do, your post was well...
First, as Christian stated, you obviously have no idea who Pekar is, or Toby for that matter.
Second, you can't even spell Bourdain.
Third, the cynic here is definitely you. Go back and re-read your post, OK?
Fourth, this show is not only about the food. And HSW? Are you aware of the fact that this is where Symon took Tony? Chef's have lots of haunts that you might never even know about, and to see one chef take another to one of these haunts is what it's all about.
But, alas, the show didn't focus on the places you know and love, so you decide that it's cynical. I guess there's one in every crowd, no?
edwina
christian and ruhlman
i too am a rabid fan of cleveland however there were parts of the episode that i thought were painful to watch. and there were many times that i said out loud..."damn why didn't they go to ....this place or that place"
it DID seem at times that they were bashing us and it made me uncomfortable and after chatting with other this morning i'm finding i'm not alone. it won't make me stop watching NR b/c nothing could make that happen
edwina
Tags
Keep in mind, everybody, that Bourdain is originally from New Jersey, of which New York and Philly are merely suburbs.
Industrial ambience, toxic surfing, self deprecating humor... he's been there, done that.
One thing you're not likely to find on the East Coast, though, is a master chef who can channel Frank Gorshin.
Cleveland stands in no one's shadow - except maybe Chagrin Falls.
Mona
This will go down as one of my favorite episodes ever!! Thank you guys so much. I just finished reading all of Ruhlman's "Chef" books so it was great to actually see Michael Symon, hear that maniacal laugh and see some of his dishes. And to all you negative people who just don't get it (Vercingetrix), I thought it was a GREAT advertisement for Cleveland. It made Cleveland cool. Now I want to go there. I want to eat at all those places (well, not Skyline). I'm thrilled to learn of Zubals. In a way I think this show was really about interesting people -- through food, through art, through music, through books. Come to think of it, all these shows are. So whingeing about why not this restaurant or that one (or this local brew pub -- such a tiresome cliche) is just ignorant.
gb500
Freebird!
Erika
I don't think I've ever posted here, but I visit often. I loved this episode of NR. I felt like I was watching old friends run around and have a good time. I learned a ton about Cleveland, and went to bed last night with an insatiable craving for all things pork. After watching Tony play with the pig in the kitchen, I have to admit a bit of a crush.
I have to ask though, the Twinkie Goo...? Whose idea was it to crack into the pipe for a taste?
Connor
What a great episode. Really well done. My favorite part, hands-down, was watching you both cook. The cassoulet and pate looked amazing, as did that pork loin. You could literally see it glisten when Tony sliced it. I figured the pig was a good one when watching you two butcher it, but wow, that must have been one mighty fine pig. That shot could easily convince a lot of people to give up mass-produced pork!
bourdain
What You Need To Know About Ruhlman--and the Cleveland Show:
Ruhlman's discomfort during the Skyline Chili scene was all too real. You've never SEEN anyone so miserable as our Mikey, visibly trying to shrivel up into his clothes to avoid being depicted in such brightly colored, proletariat surroundings. And I confess to taking sadistic delight in his suffering, lingering over my food--every minute like a jolt from a car battery to Ruhlman's tender, elitist sensibilities.
Note also Ruhlman's angry, expletive-laced reaction to my gentle, good-natured jibe about Bill Buford. All-too real, my friends. First thing every morning, Ruhlman obsessively checks Buford's Amazon rating. Also Hesser's Brenner's Steingarten's--and anybody else's who MIGHT be selling more copies than his paranoid, obscenity-laced screeds. He practically had to be sedated in front of the appalled diners at Sokolowski's. Thank God, the grill guy had a stun gun-- as there were children present.
And a Final Note: T'was not me who stank up Ruhlman's downstairs bathroom. (Initially, anyway). Perhaps it was the pools of stagnant bong water run-off from his office. Of course, I DID leave him an "upper-decker" on the way out--which might well be a problem. (I suggest hosing out the tank)
Mr. Soft Hands
Carri
Say what you will about where they went or what they did...(what was up with the drag race anyway?) The show really made me want a pulled pork sandwich! Pork fat indeed RULES!
Christian
edwina,
trust me, I completely understand your point of view. Whenever Philadelphia comes up in a show there's always something about our losing sports teams or the tired old Rocky cliches or god forbid creme cheese (which was never actually made here), and I never fail to roll my eyes. That said, if you look over the comments by those of us who are unfamiliar with Cleveland, I think you'll see that we were all surprised by the great things the city does in fact have to offer. We already knew about the urban decay, the dead or dying industrials, and the oft miserable weather. What we didn't know is that there's a lively other side to the city that makes people like Michael Ruhlman and Michael Symon stay and thrive. It was in fact a pleasant surprise. Just look at that market!
all the best
oh, and Michael, about that pig...
NancyH
We loved the show. Among other things - we thought that the use of Pekar's cartoons throughout the show was simply brilliant!
Michael - can you tell us where you got that beautiful pig? After watching you guys disembowel and cook it, I am very glad that I am going to Lolita for the pig roast tonight!
French Laundry at Home
Cannot believe I forgot to mention this last night. The Jill St. John Cookbook shout-out was a hoot. As a vintage celebrity cookbook collector, this is one of my favorites (right after Liberace, Dinah Shore, and Annette Funicello)..... Hilarious.
Clarkehead
Tony, that comment about Bill Buford was mean spirited, and you know it. He had every right to lash out, and you turn it against him? I'm surprised he let you into his house after that.
I've made your cassoulet from the LH cookbook about 3 times now, and not once did it come close to looking like yours. That was cheap, making us watch that in the miserable heat of August. This Fall, it's tops on my list.
This one fits easily into the Top 5 all-time NR episodes. Well done.
Cigarlady
Cleveland looks a lot like Toledo, where I lived for almost 2 yrs. I have a sausage question, I'm trying to replicate really good Mexican chorizo, that I've bought, for times when I can't find it, like the 7 years I lived in South Florida. Whenever I make it and then fry it, the seasonings seem to wash out of it and I get grey meat. I don't get the red chile grease that store bought gives me. Is it not enough fat, not enough marinating? Any advice would be appreciated. I checked out your recipe in Charcuterie and it didn't seem that different from what I've been doing.
rockandroller
I'm surprised how many Clevelanders don't know about places like Zubal's and the Sausage Shoppe. Almost none of my non-foodie friends shop at the WSM. If this episode helps highlight those places and keep them in business, that's awesome.
Everyone is an editor, and I'm no exception. I would have loved them to have skipped Skyline Chili, which doesn't have anything to do with Cleveland, as well as Sokolowski's, which in my opionion is only good from a historical perspective, not a gastronomical one, and instead focused on one of the truly unique things about Cleveland, which is probably our best feature as a city our size - our incredibly diverse ethnic population allows for a HUGE variety of ethnic foods; you can't get that variety in other cities our size. Chicago, NY, LA, yes, but none the size of Cleveland that I can think of. It's the variety, not any one store's particular food, that is notable. From Lorain-117th area's many middle eastern shops and restaurants, to Lakewood, where there are more bars per capita than just about any city in the world (particularly Irish bars), from Slyman's for the best corned beef sandwich you can get, Siam for authentic Chinese, several great Thai and Mexican places, Udupi or Cafe Tandoor for Indian food, Sterle's Slovenian house for great schnitzel, Carrie Cerino's for great pasta as well as unique "home grown" dishes such as the blue egg ravioli, it would be impossible to hit every cuisine we have available.
I would like to have seen TB taken to the Agora. Surely the Ramones played there more than once over the years; if anything deserved a rock and roll visit, that was the place and I'm sure Hank L would have been open to it.
Sorcha
So, Tony, how long had you been holding that Buford crack, waiting for a chance to spring it?
Connor
I may be crazy here, but are you sure that Bill Buford scene in Sokolowski's wasn't a product of the editing room floor...you know, Tony saying something REALLY offensive to Michael to get him to curse and turn red, but then cleverly deleting that scene? Come on, it just seemed too easy...mention Buford, get Ruhlman to curse on camera.
Rainman
As someone who's lived on both sides of Cleveland and in Cincinnati, I was fascinated by last night's No Reservations. Did they pick the worst day of the year to go to Cleveland and then the most depressing parts of the city to visit? It sure seemed that way. As an earlier commenter noted, Skyline has nothing to do with Cleveland. They should have noted it was a Cincinnati specialty. When I lived in Cleveland, there wasn't even a Skyline north of Columbus. All in all, though, it made me long for the North Coast of America from my new location on the Potomac.
Mike Fincham
One question and one comment -
1. Was that cooking vessel for the cassoulet lined with pig skin? If so, that's awesome, if not a little Buffalo Bill-ish (see Silence of the Lambs).
2. If that pulled pork sandwich was the best Cleveland has to offer in the way of BBQ then I am packing up my shit tomorrow and coming up there to teach those Yankees how to BBQ and make a killing in the process.
Shameless plug - Please visit my blog at http://www.bbqgeek.com .
Columbus Foodie
Loved the show, and loved the natural rapport that you and Bourdain have with each other. It was also nice to see familiar sights (like the West Side Market) featured, along with places I need to check out next time I'm up in Cleveland (the sausage place, the Polish place).
But agree with the others, Skyline is a Cincinnati thing - and its one of those things you really need to be in the mood for. It tastes great after a long night of drinking, the same way White Castle sliders do. When sober? Pretty much inedible.
Beth
Have to echo the complaints about Skyline Chili - why waste any part of the hour on something that has nothing to do with Cleveland? Tasty's Pizza (mentioned in a post above) is just down Mayfield Road from where I think that Skyline is - that would have been a much better first stop. Having grown up in Cleveland, watching last night's episode made me in turns homesick, sad, and hungry. Unfortunately, I thought some of the bleaker and more depressing aspects of Cleveland in the winter were emphasized over the cool, beautiful parts of the city. Maybe there should be a re-visit in the summer?
edwina
christian
thanks for your comment. don't get me wrong i truly believe ruhlman and bourdain rock. [and i WOULD put them on my to do list]...i've got all of their books and ruhlman himself has walked me thro recipes from his charcuterie cookbook....and for all of those out there who've never tried homemade braised pork belly....you don't know what you're missing. cleveland or not these guys have introduced the world to all kinds of crazy stuff.....thanks guys
Neal Langham
I don't think that the Skyline bit was intended to be a Cleveland highlight. Just some jollies for Bourdain at Ruhlman's expense. I have to hand it to those from Cleveland. They love their city. They love the Browns too. Now that's devotion.
ruhlman
First, a lot of people are complaining about cleveland's looking bad, etc., and I haven't heard from my dad who's probably pissed that tony didn't do a hallmark card with lovers strolling through the metro parks and sipping wine at sunset on our rocky beaches. Instead sewage and abandoned factories.
To all those people: if you don't want sewage in the great and mighty lake erie, DO something about it. we have abused and trashed a great natural wonder. don't tell people to look the other way. that's the biggest lie of all. you don't like our rocketing unemployment, DO SOMETHING. WAKE UP!
as for you tony, you media whore swine, the skyline chili was a sucker punch. that's from Republican Central, Ohio. and while yes, it may be the ticket after a few days of heavy drinking, it ain't cleveland. Tell the good people, mr. soft palms, the exact effect eating that chili had on you. we all remember in this house. people, i kid you not. and no, the lighter and the candle didn't help.
the buford remark. there was some editing slight of hand there. I think he was impugning my fair city just to get a rise. fact is, buford and i became fast friends after he contacted me for his Food TV nyer story. His book Heat, is excellent, and I recommend it. the batali profile he did in the nyer doesn't do it justice. the book format is perfect and buford soars.
Now, importantly: that pig was grown by daniel stutzman, an amish farmer a couple hours south of here. there is plenty of pig to go around. orders taken by james falb at the north union farmers market saturday morning, they're at the western end and sell a lot of grains as well other excellent produce.
as for who made tony's cassoulet? if it weren't so damn good this would be painful--but i actually Soft Palms do it himself. it was the best I've had. seriously. why else would i have let him in my house, why else would we have been so damned chummy? pate cassoulet, pigs ear and lardon salad. that's just too much damned PLEASURE.
why wasn't he out there surfing? he'll tell you himself: the shrinkage factor.
arthur
Ruhlman,
You're being kind. Skyline isn't from "republican central Ohio", it's from Cincinnati. And as all true Clevelanders know Cinci rates even lower than Pittsburgh on the list of places Cleveland is infinately superior too.
Natalie Sztern
Unfortunately Canada is still not current with NR as with Top Chef...but I can't wait to see it, if just for Pekar...no offence but that clip u showed on ur site a while ago was a great funny piece...has he done a comic book with all three of u? if so i want one, hey if southpark can make it i am sure pekar can too
Claudia
Ruhlman, I don't think you should care about who really made the cassoulet - I think you should care why Gary drew you several inches shorter and smaller-framed than Bourdain in the cartoons, when you are both exactly 6'4" - and you could probably benchpress him (!) (See? This is what happens when Bourdain has TOTAL creative control over NR - even on the Travel Channel website!)
rockandroller
Many Clevelanders ARE trying hard to do something about the sewage, the sludge, the air pollution, etc. As a member of the Sierra Club, NRDC, Greenpeace, Moveon.org, Working Assets and many other groups I do a lot of things, including writing a lot of letters to my congressmen and senators, working for change, attending rallies, staffing booths to help distribute information, etc. I think it's a bad a stereotype to continually claim that nobody is doing anything to facilitate change. I spend a great deal of my free time volunteering for causes trying to make change happen as well as writing a TON of letters. I have a stack of replies probably as high as your kitchen island. Some of us ARE working for change.
ruhlman
bless you. don't stop.
Big Red
Skyline Chili gives me the shits too, so I feel for Bourdain. He paid in spades for making you suffer, Ruhlman. Although I can see the temptation, the look on your face was priceless as you tried to choke it down. However, I think it is high time that you went to NYC and made him show you around, and then let you in his house with his wife and his daughter. Although you are cultured and although snarky, urbane. He is much more hard to live with so I this time his wife gets off easy. It must be harder having Bourdain a guest in the Ruhlman home than vise versa. Although I hear she is Italian, so I am sure that she will have no problem kicking you out on your ass if you misbehave. Then once that show airs, we need to get both Misses together, and do a show about the things in both cities. And then we will really see the dynamics. Nothing like a couple of grown men getting their asses kicked by their wives. I would PAY TOP DOLLAR to see it.
Erin
I loved the Cleveland episode. The sausage shop reminds me of G&W, an old German butcher and deli near my house in St. Louis. Same products, same old dudes working there. My dad's a produce wholesaler and has been delivering their cabbage for years. Plus they give you beer while you wait.
edwina
ruhlman
and i for one worked for years as a director of nursing and exclusively hired kids from the inner city...so maybe i didn't directly affect the unemployment in cleveland to a great degree, i'd like to think i helped a young adult stay off welfare
edwina
Princess Grace
How come I can't figure out who all is posting to whom on these comments? Can I get a program or scorecard somewhere? :).
I liked the Cleveland show but if you want to do a true pork-tacular, try us here in Virginia. Also, you need to do more about goats. Just saying.
Princess Grace of BaaBaaDoo Farm
French Laundry at Home
The Skyline chili-induced bowel leavings are replicated daily on Semi-Homemade, so I'll have to go to Ohio for other reasons.
Natalie Sztern
Ok so I ordered Best of American Splendor but the large bookstore did not have any copies so i ordered it thru a small shop where all i had to say was the title and the owner finished with "by Harvey Pekar"...surprised by his answer i asked how do u know him and apparently harvey has quite the following....all this because of ruhlman, who knew?
I can't wait to read it
Mark Schieldrop
Great episode. The creative use of Pekar's art reminded me of the experimental qualities of the first ever episode.
I gotta run. .. Sandra is doing something with huge white mushrooms while wearing a green sweater.
t-scape
You just can't get away from Sandra Lee on this blog, can you? 😉
Sara
As a life-long East Coast-er, I've always had some (ok, a lot of) disdain for the middle parts of America, and I've never been able to see a reason to go to Ohio before. I'm not sure this NR took me all the way to an airplane ticket, but now I know there's more to do in Cleveland than just the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. I know where to eat.
Harvey Pekar is the coolest. Thank you for having him on, in all his glory.
Tony -- come to DC, already! Wanna explore the great American melting pot? I'll show to Ethiopian that will make your tongue burn off, the best late-night chili cheese fries on the East Coast, and the best Peruvian rottisserie chicken to ever pass your lips, not to mention some damn good dim sum and the historical Eastern Market. Maybe later you can stop in at some of the fine dining joints. This is a challenge!
Sara
Oh, I forgot -- That twinkie filling? Did that seriously still taste like twinkie? I'm re-watching my DVR-ed episode now and it just looks.... gross.
Sorcha
I'm surprised to see so many Clevelanders dissing the show. I thought it was terrific, and hearing about the economic decline made Ruhlman's love for his town that much more real and poignant. It's easy to love your city when everything's roses, not so much when it's gone a ways downhill.
I guess it just depends on who you are. The same thing happened when Tony came to the Pacific NW; I thought he did an awesome show (even if there was too much Seattle and not enough Portland *G*), but a lot of my fellow Portlanders hated it - thought it was too touristy and so on. How you can hate *anything* that has Tony and Chuck Palahniuk in the same space is beyond me, but I'm easy to please.
Sorcha
I'm surprised to see so many Clevelanders dissing the show. I thought it was terrific, and hearing about the economic decline made Ruhlman's love for his town that much more real and poignant. It's easy to love your city when everything's roses, not so much when it's gone a ways downhill.
I guess it just depends on who you are. The same thing happened when Tony came to the Pacific NW; I thought he did an awesome show (even if there was too much Seattle and not enough Portland *G*), but a lot of my fellow Portlanders hated it - thought it was too touristy and so on. How you can hate *anything* that has Tony and Chuck Palahniuk in the same space is beyond me, but I'm easy to please.
Sorcha
Annnnd I have no idea why that posted twice. Typepad hates me sometimes.
AcidQueen
I first visited Cleveland back in 1983. My mother's side of the family lives there--well, the Italians anyway--and Mom took my sister and me to visit them all.
I had a wonderful time, but I've never been able to get back there. After watching NR last night (and again this morning when I got home from work), I think I'll have to come back up that way to visit the la famiglia again.
Thank you, Michael and Tony, for indirectly reminding me of the great summer of my 13th year.
Major Bedhead
I loved this episode - I actually got to see Tony cooking something, instead of only reading about it. I think the fact that it was shot in Cleveland, the epitome of middle America, makes it a bit more real and attainable. Excellent, as usual, although that snow must have been a real slap in the face after French Polynesia.
t-scape
Sorcha, I enjoyed the Portland piece of the PNW episodetoo, but my only beef would have been about the Shanghai tunnels. Enough with the Shanghai tunnels, man!
Well, my other beef was having to share an episode with Seattle. We deserved our own!
Frances
Well, now that you mention it, that Skyline chile looked like something that had already been run through "the mill" once and was not very kind to the mill along the way.
I've come to expect Tony to show the soft white underbelly of a place. The parts tourists usually stay away from out of fear. Or places that make most people avert their gaze and move on. I also see a point in it all. I found it all to be very compelling.
I see Cleveland as a metaphor for all the old cities in this country, victims of sprawl, and the next best thing. They may be down, but they are not out. I would love to see the trollie system restored. Everywhere.
In my line of work, I could live anywhere. I could easily work from Cleveland. Well, I could if it wasn't for those pesky stalking laws.
Tana
It was my favorite NR ever, and I thought them brave to film in the winter. The market looked great, and I hope to visit one day.
Lisse
Last night's show had a completely different feel from most of NR, maybe the friendship, maybe the comics, maybe the weather. My husband and I laughed all the way through.
Sewage surfing aside, I wasn't put off by Cleveland. That kind of stuff happened all over the country, and I thought that part of the point was that people make a life for themselves (food, family, friendship) in spite of it.
Mer
Pekar is priceless. That deadpan delivery, twisted reality - a true Midwestern character in the best sense, complete with plaid flannel shirt.
AB - that Buford shot was perfection in it's target and delivery. You need to freeze frame MR's face and frame it - his initial expression still has me laughing out loud.
And you went to the Sausage Shoppe but couldn't make it to Raddell's for their Slovenian blood sausage rings? You went to Cleveland and didn't eat the rice sausage? I'm aghast.
Patricia Pawlak
Mr. Ruhlman, I'll keep this pithy. with friends likeAnthony Bor-ing who needs enemies? The Plain Dealer's comparing him to Mick jagger. Please. Poor Cleveland can't get no satisfaction. What a horrible depiction of a great city. Wish your friend well, tell him to enjoy China! Hope he eats plenty of seafood, stocks up on pet food, buys tons of toothpaste and spluges on lots of Fisher Price toys for all the tots in his life.
Susan
I just wanted to say that I loved the episode. The part where Bourdain chastised your potty mouth had me laughing myself to tears. It was great. Never been to Cleveland, but it looks amazing.
Also, as a vegetarian who has silently lurked here for some time, I was glad you guys took it easy on ol' Mr. Pekar. 😉 We're not all so bad, really!
Ohiogirl
I'm an ex-Clevelander living in Los Angeles - and your show did my heart good.
True, it did show the sorrow of the town, the streets and streets of abandoned factories that even my husband recognized from his visits. But it also showed the strength and heart of the town. The ironic sense of humor that keeps folks smiling through the winters, with or without sewage surfing. The amazing architecture.
Instead of the drag race, I wish you could have shown Presti's Bakery, that still hand twists their special loaves. The Middle East bakery on Carnegie, with fresh pita that makes you sing. Or all the ethnic food festivals that let you be greek, italian, or hungarian for a day.
But you showed Harvey Pekar, a true gem, the Westide Market - a place of joy even on overcast days, and you got Tony to admit that maybe Cleveland isn't so bad.
So I guess I can't complain. Much.
Kansas City rube
Great episode. I think Ruhlman should get his own Travel Channel show where he explores other cultural hotspots in the US such as Flint and East St. Louis.
FoodPuta
And, what's the story with the Trans-Am?
stephanie
Well, I loved every minute of it.
Personal favorite quote?
"And the Bottom Line is, if you were really stoned? You'd like this. I'd eat this cold, in the morning."
Chris
Hell, I loved the episode, but I'm biased, because I've been to nearly all those places; I've shopped at Zubal's, I'm a regular at the Sausage Shoppe, I've stood in the same spot at the steel mill that Tony
stood in, and I've even eaten a Polish Boy. So I think the show really captures the real Cleveland, but I'm biased. Guess what, we're a gritty city. We do have a lot of abandoned factories. We do have our problems, but no city is perfect. If you want the "get happy" view of the convention and visitors bureau, you aren't going to like the show ...
but that grittiness gives us our character, makes us who we are, makes us real, and hopefully without a lot of pretention. So it was a delightful episode.
That said, a few things were inaccurate ... A Polish Boy doesn't use a hotdog (or shouldn't), it's supposed to be a kielbasa in there with the BBQ sauce, fries and coleslaw ... hence the "Polish" part. Also, Bourdain should know to NEVER twirl Skyline Chili ... the proper way to eat it is "the forklift," where you cut up the dish, slide your fork under, and lift up, so that you get pasta, chili, and cheese in one bite. Too bad Ruhlman's such an elitist, because Skyline Chili is a great guilty pleasure! Also, maybe I'm wrong Ruhlman, but I think Zubal's is primarily an internet store, and they don't often welcome browsers. I was last there buying books for the Historical Society, so I definitely got in and browsed, but I don't know if I could do that anymore.
But I do honestly hope the show gives more business to Sokolowski's (food of the gods there ... oddly enough, a good friend of mine was eating lunch that very day, and wondered aloud to me later why there were people filming "these four guys" while he was eating lunch)
and The Sausage Shoppe, though I fear that a lot of suburbanites won't make the trek to Tremont or Brooklyn, because it gets them out of their "safe" zip codes and gated communities. Too bad ... after having
one of the sublime brats or ungodly-delicious hot dogs from the Sausage Shoppe, how could anyone ever eat a Johnsonville Brat or Oscar Meyer wiener? The flavor of the hot dogs alone is something that must be experienced. I do hope that Norm and his family get a
lot more business at the Sausage Shoppe ... though I hope the place doesn't get too crowded! Anyone going there, you've got to get the hot dogs, but also try the honey garlic brats, they're amazing!
And I'm sure that the grittiness in the show will probably scare some people away from visiting the city in general, but that's too bad, because Cleveland is a really great area, and there are some very quaint and cutsy areas to visit that any tourist would enjoy. I just entertained an old friend from Maryland and her folks who were in town for a day, and took them to University Circle, the cultural center of Cleveland ... and they were blown away by the sheer number of museums and institutions in one small area, providing a critical mass of culture and creativity like no other place has. She kept going on and on about all the neat stuff she found here that she hasn't seen on
her travels elsewhere. Cleveland's got some great aspects to it, and it's worth a visit ... and p.s., we have some awesome food here.
Though personally, I still think you should have taken Bourdain to
Slyman's for killer corned beef! But every Clevelander who responds to your blog will have a list of their favorites that you didn't go to!
I'm also shocked Michael, that you really did follow my drag race suggestion!!! Hey, if Bourdain's ever in town and you'd like a tour guide who was actually a paid historian with the local Historical Society, and who's written a book on part of Cleveland's industrial heritage (the steel industry), just give me a call!
Now if only the Travel Channel would sell copies of the show ... this one would be a keeper!
Kate
I say, at least Tony had the balls to do a show from Cleveland. When was the last time a nationally televised hour-long show was done in Cleveland? The show portrayed the city as it actually is-- economically struggling, frigid, and home to countless amazing restaurants and enthusiastic people. Tony presented a Cleveland that those of who live here recognize and love.
I believe that Cleveland can and will recover from the economic downfall that Tony and Ruhlman talked about and even an hour-long cable show might help Cleveland "rise up" out of its slump (please excuse that aweful pun). At least people from all over the US are talking about Cleveland and not mocking our sports teams or calling it the "mistake on the lake". Hopefully, its a start down the long road to come. Go Tribe and Browns!
Kate
Oh and, I whole heartedly agree with Stephanie about Slyman's. I disagree about Skyline though. I go to school in Cincinnati and will only eat it when it's given to me for free (that's a college student for you). I personally don't think it should have been on a show about Cleveland. I still love and respect Tony though, no hard feelings.
Kate
Sorry, it was Chris, not Stephanie.
Sorcha
T-scape, I agree about the tunnels thing. There's so much else going on here. Chuck shoulda taken Tony to Darcelle's or at least to Powell's.
bonnibella
"szg- Syracuse is in fact more depressing than Cleveland. I have lived in both places. At least Cleveland has the RR hall of fame. But I laughed heartily at the comment. That and "Ruhlman's Hot". I would certainly boing Bourdain first. (only cause he reminds me of my high school crush on Steven Tyler) But Niether one of them are on my "to do" list."
Big Red, you're hilarious. 🙂
Jay Shnoogins
Mikey -
(my boom box in the background)
clevelands cold
cleveland sucks
cleveland sucks sucks sucks sucks sucks sucks sucks
Pekars weird, he is whack
his crazy friend is smoking crack
Chili on spaghetti
Chili on spaghetti
Cassoulet made it right
Tony boy put up a fight
the toilet
ooh ooh
the toilet
SHTANKS YO!
Silent Bob
!
Jay Shnoogins
Shut the fuck up lunchbox!
Cass-ooh-lay
I'm gonna name my first kid Cassoohlay
met0813
I'd been waiting for this episode (and telling people about it) since I saw the article in the Plain Dealer last winter. I thought it was great. I have to say that I'm embarrassed that I'd never heard of Zubal books before last night! As one whose heart is in Cleveland (but whose body is now in Texas), the episode made me smile. Thanks for doing it!
Ms.Anthrope
Loved it!
I want to live in Zubal Books! I wonder if you could survive on the residual Twinkie spooge indefinitely?
bob
Michael,
And I'm sure there aren't half this many comments on Bufords blog..........oh, you get the punchline!
Doodad
Ok, when will it be repeated? I missed half from laughing and half from the cable being whacked. When Tony, when?
Ok, fine. Just get the DVD out pronto so I can continue to contribute to your (and Ruhlman's) financial wellbeing. I had to watch the Vegas DVD last night for a second helping.
Oh, and I made your onion soup, blanquette and clafoutis (although peach) last weekend. Thanks.
JaxieWaxieWoo
As a born and bred NJ girl, I have to snicker at the thin skins of some CLEEEEEEEEVelanders (do you all say it like that?) whining because the city looked a tad Day Afterish in that one episode. Come on, we've got a whole state that gets bashed on a regular basis!
Go ahead and say what you want about New Jersey. We know you're all just jealous of our pork roll. 🙂
kathrynsossen
Loved the show. Spent grad school at CWRU- loved Cleveland... have many fond memories of the
West Side Market. Am so glad to know it's still there. Will make it back someday.
Big Red
Thank you Bonnibella, but the fact that they compared Syracuse to Cleveland is so...I don't even have a word for it. Cleveland far surpasses Syracuse. Cleveland had a hay-day at one time. They were booming and prosperous. Syracuse only pretended and then when what little prosperity they had went, well, they wined about it. Most upstate cities are like that. Buffalo seems to be making a come back but it only does well as a stop off for people coming to and from Toronto Canada. A chance to sober up and wipe the lipstick of your collar before you go home to Maude and the kids. I live in between the two...in Rotten-chester (Rochester for the laymen) This city has one thing wrong with it, and if there are any rochestarians in the audience keep it to yourself, but that is KODAK! Another example of the down turn of the manufacturing community as Kodak went digital. So now half the city is unemployed and the government then spent a half billion on the ill-fated fast ferry that we ended up selling to Russia because the tarriffs between Canada and here made it unfeasible to do. Did anyone think about this b4 hand? NO!!
But back to Cleveland. To think about it, I like Cleveland. There is something untangible about it that makes it interesting. It may be the fact that despite the sewers leaking into the lake people still surf there, even though the surfing was not all that great to begin with. It was a great metaphor for the city, "Covered in Shit, but still surfing. And loving it!" It is that undeniable spirit in the face of inconquerable despair. But that is always the beginning of a great story, no? Maybe that is it, Maybe it is a beginning of a new great american novel.
Ok, now I have become the Chamber of Commerce brain that Tony refered to in the episode. But he is just as guilty about NYC. To be honest, I have a hard time stomaching NYC. It is too much all at once. But it too has it's charm. See I suppose that is the point. Be as snarky as you want to. But there are gems of greatness everwhere, you just have to find them.
mada
Lola's.... REALLY?? Good going for pimping out your guy Michael Symon there. Sheesh. I have a feeling it could have... just sub par and it still would have been received as if it were an orgasm on a plate.
And the "FREE" stamp? Clevelander's aren't freakin' proud of the "FREE" stamp. Are you sure you are from here? Yea I know.... the producers made you/AB/whatever.
Hot Sauce Williams though... I give kudos for that one.
artnlit
I don't know whether to laugh or cry after reading these "ALL HAIL CLEVELAND" posts. I guess where you live is what you love, and Ruhlman showed that, in a good way (from his obvious passion) and in a bad way (far too much emphasis on the decline/decay of the city.) I cringed initially when the show began, for it so easily could have been Pittsburgh - the old steel mills, the frigid weather, the polish influence (which is a positive actually). While I appreciate the concern that Ruhlman has for his city, I would not have gone this route. That does not mean that he should have ignored it, but I sure as hell wouldn't invite anyone to check out Pittsburgh in the middle of January by focusing on looking at the run down factories and walking the dingy grey streets! That really is in the past. As for surfing the lake - either THAT is dedication or insanity. I feel a "Clevelanders surf the sh*t" joke coming on. However, this aside, I did enjoy the various places he and Tony visited, the interaction between them that really (despite editing) smacked of truth, and the overall vibe. However, the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and Visitation must be REALLY pissed at you now! LOL.
Cheers, artnlit (your neighbor next door in Pgh)
PS. The Browns still suck; go STEELERS!!
Mama Bacon
T-Scape, I have to disagree. I'm a former Clevelander who lives in D.C. now. Although I've had some great meals here, this town is quite soulless when it comes to food. I'll give you the Ethiopian food, and even throw in some half-decent Salvadoran, but otherwise, D.C. is pretty boring when it comes to dining.
Cleveland Bob
D'oh! I missed the NR episode on Cleveland. Anybody know when it is going to re-broadcast? Travel Channel has barely a mention and no listing for a re-run.
InyamoRian
I have to say that I absolutely loved the Cleavland episode. I started new medicine recently and I fell asleep about a third of the way through the Tahiti episode of NR. I was excited to see MR and TB together - hurling barbs and snarky comments back and forth. At no point did I feel the pull of drowsiness brought on my medication - mostly due to the enormous amount of laughter the episode caused.
The episode made me want to visit Cleavland. It also made me homesick for Louisville, KY. I want to show TB around Louisville - teach him to pronounce it correctly, rant about the repairs and traffic on the Kennedy Bridge, tour the neighborhoods near Churchill Downs, take him to the Louisville Slugger Bat Museum to see any NY Yankees paraphernalia, and visit every dive bar in the whole county. Most of the sites I would choose would not be what the Chamber of Commerce would want to be shown on a TV show - but that is what makes the show wonderful!
To get a glimpse of the soul of a city. To see why people who live there love their town. No one featured on the episode said they hated Cleavland and could not wait to land a job in another town so they could move. They all extolled what they loved about the show while at the same time admitted the obvious problems that exist with the city. Who can't name a city in their state experiencing some of the same if not the same problems. I am currently living in Michigan and can think of over a dozen that are experiencing very similar problems. We need to be reminded that these problems exist.
Now about Skyline - even though I am not from nor have I ever lived in Ohio - I recognize it as a Cincinnati landmark (having lived within 75 minutes of Cinic for most of my life) and having some franchises spread from Ohio to the Louisville, KY area. I proudly have never had to eat or even go into one of their places. However I have friends that swear by it and look forward to going to Cinci for the real stuff.
I can't imagine it is any worse than the chili I grew up on. The chili my mother made while growing up didn't even have chili beans in it - they would be too spicy. It had canned pinto beans in it! There was never chili powder or red pepper flakes added! Adding a diced onion was as risky as it got. Often there was spoonful of instant coffee added for color. There was always some brown sugar added for sweetness. It was never served over spaghetti - the spaghetti was cooked right into it. I am shuddering and almost gagging just thinking about it. Thank goodness I learned how to make a much better pot of chili since moving out of my mother's kitchen.
Thank you so much for showing us Cleavland, opening your home to the show, as well as making me a little homesick for my hometown with all of its glory and with all of its problems.
Jeff
DVR'd the show and watched it last night. I loved the eposide. I really liked the way the show was put together with the Pekar narrative and illustrations. I thought it gave a nice glimpse into Cleveland, a City that I have visited only a handful of times. Bourdain's job is not to produce a show ready for the Chamber of Commerce as some people posting here seem to think. His job is first and foremost to entertain the viewers. None of his shows focus solely on the finest restaurants in the City. He visits places that the locals love to get a taste of the City. Then he usually eats at the home of a family or a village gathering place, just like in this one.
As a midwesterner myself (I am from Milwaukee) I think the show captured the real essence of the midwest in the stark, cold dead of winter. The scenes in the restaurants and in Michael's home gave a great feeling of warmth in contrast to the outdoor scenes. If that Cassoulet tastes anything like the one served at Les Halles, I am very jealous.
Oh, and any show with Marky Ramone is a-ok in my book.
rockandroller
Locals don't love Skyline Chili, at least nobody that I've met, and I've lived here since 1992. I've never met anyone that likes it or eats it. Certainly there must be some people, but it's not exactly a city favorite such that it made sense to feature it in the show.
People fall on different sides on Sokolowski's, but generally lifelong Clevelanders who ate there when they were younger seem to like it because of the memories and feeling it imparts, but I don't know anyone who is a transplant to the city (like I am) who thinks their food is very good. I've been there 4 times and haven't liked anything I've eaten there.
Just my opinion of course, I just think those choices, given the number of other places they could have gone, were strange.
Sven Torgelson
Michael -- I've never seen more sour faces than the ones on your children as they forced down Tony's cassoulet. I know he explained this away as a product of their uneducated/underdeveloped palates (I don't recall his exact words). Would you agree? Was his dish truly for the sophisticated palate--a perfect marriage of quality ingredients and quality execution? Or were your kids completely justified in their grimaces--did his cassoulet blow goats?
Uncle Hulka
My only "beef" with the episode was that self-proclaimed Punk Rock Maven Anthony Bourdain made no reference whatsoever to the greatest Cleveland Punk band ever, the Dead Boys.
Stiv Bators must be steaming (in a hot water bath, of course) in his grave.
t-scape
Mama Bacon, that wasn't me. I live in Portland 🙂
I'm on the fence about this episode. I don't mind seeing the down and dirty parts of a city. But I agree that doing it in January, when the gray skies don't exactly help the landscape, kind of brought me down. I liked the interaction between Michael and Tony, and I loved the Pekarized graphics. And when you guys went to the food market, I remembered my own hometown market and made me wish we had one like that in Portland (which I read, precisely the day after the episode, is in the works!) But I feel like I still don't know much about Cleveland, foodwise.
Although I used to be a Twinkie apologist (because I kinda like them, okay?) but after seeing the Jurassic-era Twinkie slime....urgh.
artnlit
I need a second viewing to digest it all. How ironic that the Sausage Shop website is where I found it the rerun for this episode! According to them:
FRIDAY, AUGUST 31st, AT 8 PM AND 11 PM et. See you then...
Sorcha
Uncle Hulka, if it helps any, the Dead Boys make something of an appearance in Tony's Bobby Gold stories - on a t-shirt, true, but they're there.
Shatangi
I was disappointed that the show did nothing but emphasize the stereotypes of Cleveland cuisine. There are so many great restaurants in town. Michael Symon is a great chef but we've seen his food time and time again. The show featured all the rundown aspects of Cleveland without showing any of the more interesting spots like Coventry, Little Italy, Ohio City, the old Arcade etc. Starting with Skyline chili and ending with pulled pork and Wonder bread was a bit of a letdown for me as well.
Jim Norton
I thought the show was horrible. It was quite entertaining, the Marky Ramone thing, and Pekar, and you ... Ruhlman. But it was Bourdain's best. Cleveland as an eating destination???? What the hell was that spaghetti/"chili"/cheese crap????? WTF? Thought the show was kinda lame. You may have a soft spot for Cleveland, but DEFINITELY doesn't want to make me visit. ick.
Jen
Hey - I may be one of the few, but I actually like Skyline Chili! 'Course, I grew up in Cinci, so that may have something to do with it. And Bourdain is right, it is great late night drunk food (or day after hang over food...).
Doodad
Travel Channel does not show a repeat on Friday. Even at the link provided by The Sausage Shop.
Rainman
Skyline is great. I almost spewed my drink when Bourdain said it was great stoner food, since that was how I ate Skyline during much of the time I lived in Cincinnati during college. Maybe he was at the Skyline at the corner of Clifton and Ludlow one time and I missed him.
artnlit
Doodad is correct - I checked the Travel Channel daily listing and some show on the strangest McDonalds is being shown at those times! Go figure. Don't know where the Sausage Shop got their info. So who knows; perhaps they'll run it again prior to next Monday's new show.
Vinnie
Well, now I'm confused about when the episode will re-air.
I posted the Friday date and time on The Sausage Shoppe Web site because that was what was being listed earlier in the week from a number of sources:
* The Travel Channel's program guide
* Zap2It's program guide
* TVGuide.com's program guide
* The TV Guide print magazine
* My own DirecTV program guide (well, as of last night it still said that)
Now, they all list that Friday at 8:00 p.m. they're going to air a show about the "most unique McDonald's". I'll leave the cracks about McDonald's to Tony.
I've taken the Friday notes down off the Web site and instead replaced them with the note that was in the Plain Dealer last week, that they will re-air the episode on October 22.
It looks like there will be a No Reservations marathon on Labor Day Monday, but no Cleveland ep as part of that.
cusinare52
The NR new season is superb..wondered how they would do a show in Cleveland..well i loved it ..starting out with that chili place and tony's comment..perfect stoner food... I felt stoned watching the whole show..how'd they do that?
Shannon G
Both of my parents were raised near Cleveland. Neither of them ever told me that there was a Twinkie factory. They also never told me that the world's largest bookstore was there. Forget, the family, I have to come visit for the books.
Tags
cusinare52 - I think that's called a contact high. They even have an entry for it on wikipedia.
alkali
An awesome show. More Bohunk food, please.
FoodPuta
Face it, NR was designed by a stoner, for stoners. I personally think that Bourdain should have and episode in Amsterdam, where he reviews the varied supplies of hashish. He could meet with local dealers to discus the history and culture between Sativa and Sensimilla.
Shiksappeal
"I thought the show was horrible. It was quite entertaining, the Marky Ramone thing, and Pekar, and you ... Ruhlman. But it was Bourdain's best. Cleveland as an eating destination???? What the hell was that spaghetti/"chili"/cheese crap????? WTF? Thought the show was kinda lame. You may have a soft spot for Cleveland, but DEFINITELY doesn't want to make me visit. ick."
I don't think you got the joke. At all.
John Dyer
Thank you Michael for getting NR to come to Cleveland.
I am the Dyer who dropped by right after you started the House remodel. As a hippie who heard the siren call of the west coast and left Cleveland Hts at the end of the 60s I did not witness the decline of the town until I came thru in 1990 and then last in 2001. The economic wasteland that I saw on Euclid from the Square to 9th was really hard to take. I truly enjoyed the illustrations of the House as well. Early in the show is a shot from the porch looking thru the arches across the street. Having grown up in that house in the 50s, it was a total shocker. What I could see of the kitchen and dining room really made it clear you have done a beautiful thing there. Being a exPortlander as wellI really had to wonder about the "worlds largest used book store" title of Zubals. As one known to haunt the aisles of Powells I can't see it given the size of the structure. Neither Zubals or Powells post a total book count, but Powells is an entire city block.
You did Cleveland a good thing
NancyH
Michael - after reading way too much about this show - between this blog, EGullet (starting here: http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=57881&view=findpost&p=1458575) and the Cleveland.com Food & Wine Forum http://www.cleveland.com/forums/food/index.ssf (I obviously need to get a life), something is nagging at me that perhaps you can clear up, regarding the inclusion of Skyline Chili in a Cleveland show:
I recall that there was a wager involving Skyline and the outcome of the drag race. I forgot what the stakes were for Tony (and I guess that's academic) - but is that correct? You lost the race and then had to eat at Skyline as payoff, even though the episode presented Skyline as Tony's first stop with you (ah, the magic of the editing room)?
Silly question, but inquiring minds want to know!
Sara
Mama Bacon --
That was me who posted about DC (the names come under the posts, not above), and I totally disagree. Aside from the numerous fine dining establishments of note in DC -- Cintronelle, Gerard's Place, Georgia Brown's and especially, *especially* Komi (under the incredible control of Johnny Monis, a delicious genius) -- there are tons and tons of quality mid-range dining and street food to die for. Ben's Chili Bowl, DC Cafe, Amsterdam Falafel and SoHo Tea and Coffee are all DC institutions (although SoHo more for its late nights and coffee than its food), and if you travel ever so slightly out of the city into Montgomery County, you can find incredible ethnic food -- Afghani, Chinese, Japanese, and Lebanese in Bethesda (along with about 3000 other restaurants, including fabulous seafood at places like Black's Bar and Kitchen), the best Chinese food ever in Wheaton, Max's Kosher Market and Deli in Wheaton as well, El Pollo Rico, etc. etc. Northern Virginia is another great place, with some incredible food in Arlington and Fall's Church.
If you think food in DC is mediocre, you're not going to the right places and -- more likely -- you're not leaving the city. You HAVE to go the DC Metro Area for eats... there's a reason they ran the lines through it, y'know.
This is probably a conversation for another comments. Sorry all you Cleavlanders.
RD
I loved it. One of my favorite No Rezes ever.
BR Beau
Enjoyable episode all around for this Southerner, despite the lack of Pere Ubu references and the complete absence of scenes of George Steinbrenner's boyhood home.
Richard Hell and the Voidoids - nice
Television - yah
Sorcha
John Dyer -
I wondered that too. I mean, Powell's is frickin' huge. Not that it really matters either way, I suppose - they're not close enough to comparison shop. *G*
Tags
Is there a big star shining over Cleveland now? First, Bourdain comes there, then the Plain Dealer's Connie Schultz is on Charlie Rose tonight.
Something's in the air.
bob
Michael,
Oddly, I think that every book of your that I own, has come from Powells, but Zubals just seemed awe-striking, with an emphasis on the oldies. If it's stoner food Tony needs, it's really all about the garbage plate of Rochester, NY....
Jimmy
So why did the re-airing of the Cleveland episode get pulled? Do you think The Travel Channel got too many complaints and yanked it?
ruhlman
i didn't think it was scheduled yet to re-air. I'll look into it.
brandon_w
Not sure if this ok to mention or not, but surely the show is available for download by now for those who missed it. You can probably find a torrent for it at torrentz.com
If it was out of line to suggest downloading it, please feel free to delete this post.
Cris
I really thought the episode did a fantastic job of portraying Cleveland. When I first heard NR was coming to Ohio, I hoped they wouldn't just stay in the relatively sterile downtown. The people who are so upset about the dismal portrayal of Cleveland do just that. You can WALK downtown Cleveland in a few hours, but driving through the endless neighborhoods like Harvey's, and the endless sea of abandoned factories, could take a lifetime. You gotta face it, the ep showed Cleveland for what it is, and not necessarily what everyone wants it to be.
Having grown up in northeast Ohio, I didn't realize how absolutely surrounded I was by culture and ethnic diversity until I left the area and returned. Who knew the whole country wasn't eating good pizza, sausage and pierogies? Just sad.
About the Skyline chili - sure it started in Cincinnati, but is he really gonna go anywhere else in Ohio anytime soon? This was really an "Ohio" ep. He never accused it of being a Cleveland dish. Besides, who in Ohio really hasn't had it on a hot dog at least once? And who outside of Ohio has? I think that pretty much says it all.
There were some things that got missed though. A lot of "Italian-American" dishes started here, as immigrants adapted the tastes they longed for to the local produce that was available. And pizza... you gotta admit its hard to find a good slice of pizza outside of northeast Ohio, Chicago or NY. We can hope for a sequel, though I'm just thrilled he came once. Maybe he can hit Youngstown next time! That would be something to see..
Either way, Ruhlman deserves some major points for dragging Tony out here. Some people may love the ep (me) and some people may hate it (elected officials), but you can't argue that a whole lot more people were talking about Cleveland on Tuesday morning than on Monday afternoon.
Aaron
Mr. Ruhlman,
I grew up in north central Ohio, lived in Cleveland right off of W. 130th between Brookpark Rd and W. 150th. My wife I have been in the south (Atlanta) for 3 years now, and I have missed Ohio (although I don't miss winter there).
There is an honesty, stark realism, and an attitude of "we're all in this together" to Cleveland that can be hard to find elsewhere. The people work hard for what they want and have. They find happiness in a place that many people might not think it is possible to be happy.
Great episode.
Joel
Jeez, what a couple a chuckleheads. And why, if you love the city so much did you do everything cinematically possible to make it look as drab and dreary as any city could be? There are some beautiful areas to C too. Holy cow, if I used your show as the sole basis of whether to come to Cleveland or not, it would be decidedly NOT. (maybe that was your plan after all, to keep people away.)
And this Ruhlman, while we can never count on Bourdain to look beyond the depraved and the gutter, I know for a fact that you know what great culture there is in Cleveland. Hello, the Cleveland Orchestra, one of the best f-ing symphonies in the world? How a bout a little balance? Cleveland has many sides to it and you skipped over a huge one, in lieu of a loony drag race. Sheesh.
Jeff
Joel, do you think that anyone who watches No Reservations cares about the Cleveland Orchestra? That is not what the show is about. Its not supposed to be some stupid "yoo-rah-rah Cleveland" thing touting the great museums, high end restaurants, and world class orchestras and ballets. Leave that to the Cleveland Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Is supposed to be a look at different aspects of the City, such as the bookstore, or Lola which takes the food cultures and traditions of the midwest and presents them in a new, upscale way.
Joel
Well, yah Jeff, actually I do think some No Res viewers care about the CO. Why must there be distinctions between Harvey Pekar, amazing sausage, incredible book stores and world class music? If you love good stuff, just because it is mind-blowingly good, then there is no high or low art. And in the spirit of the show, my post was meant as good natured ribbing. I already know that Ruhlman is a fan of the CO. As to Bourdain's musical prowess, well anyone who hates Abba as much as he does, has to have good ears.
Excellence is excellence, no matter where you find it, concert hall or dive bar. And there is some serious playing going on in Cleveleand. (not only classical, but R&B and obviously rock.) No shame at all in the fact that when you mention Cleveland around the world, the first thing many think of is the CO.
Sera F
when is the episode going to reach canada?
I grew up in the cleveland suburbs and I moved to canada 3 years ago so hearing about this is making me homesick!
and what beats ruhlman's and bourdain's bs?!!!
can't wait to see the episode...
and for all you cleveland bashers and others who say it's bad that we do it....it's cleveland!!! it's a love hate relationship for those of us who live or have lived there!!!
FoodPuta
Joel,
I personally like Orchestra, but would be almost offended if that would have been part of this episode.
I want to see Bourdain snorting twinkie juice. Not critiquing a violin solo
Watch Al Roker for that stuff.
Aaron
Joel,
I think the places you're talking about are places like Beachwood, Lakewood, Strongsville, Solon, and the other burbs. Beautiful places yes, but not Cleveland, and the show was about Cleveland. The city itself. Not the "metro area".
And The City of Cleveland is drab and dreary. It's a town that in spite of going through some very tough times. Still manages to stay alive. To me it's a city that proves that the people who live in a place are one thousand times more important than the buildings and roads that comprise the city.
Aaron
mary j.
It appears you have to spend some time in Cincinnati to appreciate Skyline. It's an acquired taste. After eating there, the odor somehow oozes from your pores for several days. Still, now that I live in Michigan, I'd kill for a"four-way'' at the Skyline on Ludlow and Clifton, followed by a walk down the street to Graeter's ice cream.
mary j.
It appears you have to spend some time in Cincinnati to appreciate Skyline. It's an acquired taste. After eating there, the odor somehow oozes from your pores for several days. Still, now that I live in Michigan, I'd kill for a"four-way'' at the Skyline on Ludlow and Clifton, followed by a walk down the street to Graeter's ice cream.
InyamoRian
Ohhhh Now I want to drive home for some Greater's ice cream! No wait my family is coming up to visit next weekend. I bet a cooler of dry ice could keep it safe for the trip up.
Paula
What's this about "depressing" and "drab"? I'm a SoCal girl so I admit that this thing you Midwesters talk of -- "cold" -- and ooooh, endless endless pork dishes that would probably be looked upon with fear in some of our vegetarianist quarters -- still manages to be as unfamiliar as Sao Paolo and therefore exotic.
But still, it seemed to match the tone of American Splendor the movie that was the obvious source material: celebratory and mournful, comedic and elegaic all at the same time. All these elements made it such a loving and appreciative mini-portrait, cliched as it was. They stayed true to the NR structure of showing both enjoyable and disagreeable aspects of a place and its cuisine. Ruhlman's boosterism and Pekar's ruminations (like Nori's love for Korea)tied it together and made it much more personal than the average show. All in all, beautiful and uplifting if not exactly the same kind of kooky drunken fun that we usually have with Bourdain. I was actually more depressed by the sight of Tony eating that cheese sandwich in NJ.
But I have to say I'm shocked by AB's oversight of Pere Ubu.
Carol Martucci
Not sure how much the comedy and foodie crowd intersects, but you all (including Ruhlman) might get a kick out of 30 Rock's "Cleveland" episode. NBC re-ran it last night.
You can watch it on NBC's site here:
http://www.nbc.com/30_Rock/video/episodes.shtml
(Scroll to the second to last episode)
Or just the highlights on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7InJw7oc04
It features Alec Baldwin uttering the brilliant line "We'd all like to flee to the Cleve" if that's a draw for anyone.
Benedict
Hey, can we get the recipe for that amazing looking cassoulet tony? I'd kill for it. Literally. Like, if you want Ruhlman gone.....
Misreall
Just as a late comment, I loved the episode, and filming it in the dead of winter was perfectly appropriate. As an life-long Midwestern city folk should know you only love your city as much as you love it at its worst. Chicago, my home, is both dreadful and weirdly beautiful in the harshest part of the year, and it seems that Cleveland is the same.
In fact, AB and MR sold me and my husband, and we are planning a trip as soon as we can.
Jimbo
Artnlit, Thanks for not being the only Steeler fan who has scorn for the mistake by the lake.
I will concur that I did enjoy the NR Cleveland episodes, especially the Harvey Pekar and the Bookstore segments. Even Donna looks fine, even though she's married to that "filthy beast." Even seeing Bourdain with one of the Ramones was a classic moment.
However, if Bourdain ever comes across Pittsburgh, a true jewel by the three rivers, he should try the Primanti Brothers sandwich. Now that's far better than that stupid chili that Bourdain puts on spaghetti. ICK!
Hey Ruhlman, come to Pittsburgh and we'll show you what a real food city is all about.
Steph
Mr. Ruhlman -
First of all, I want to say that I've read your "Chef" books over and over again and enjoy them more with each reading. In fact, one of my friends started school at the CIA a few months back, and as a going away present I gave him the trio. You should be proud - he actually called me to tell me how inspiring he found them. So.. kudos to you.
Secondly -- I thought this episode was AWESOME! The animation was very well played, the food looked fantastic. Well.. except for that cheese/chili stuff. Even as a vegetarian I can appreciate the deconstruction of the pig, the making of the pate, any sort of confit, etc... but the stuff at the Skyline freaked me out.
You have a gorgeous home and a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing them with us. Even though Tony made you fake crashing your car.
- S
PS to Bourdain if he ever reads this: This is the girl who asked you to sign her chef's coat at the starchefs.com event last year -- after telling you I was a vegetarian, you told me "PIG FAT! YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT!" Best. Day. Ever. And "Kitchen Confidential" was the book that made me want to go to culinary school in the first place. Congratulations on the new addition to your family; is the fuzzy-unicorn-candy-rainbow stage over yet?
rl
Cleveland is so rich in ethnic diversity. It is a beautiful city from the rolling greens of the Metro Parks to the lovely architecture of Severence Hall, not to mention the history at Lakeview Cemetery. The quaint areas of Coventry and Little Italy--there is so much! I wish this saw this, and also tasted some of the foods beyond pork! Also Skyline Chili, Cleveland cannot claim ownership of that! Have always enjoyed Michael's books, as well as Tony's show--but this one left me flat. Come back to Cleveland in the fall, spend some time on the East side
Jonathan
Show with bourdain was top notch. Loved it! i was disappointed to read in the PD this morning that actually some people were distressed over the tribute to the city focusing on the negative. What other places did you and Bourdain hit while he was in town that did not make the tape?
I_miss_Cleveland
I just moved away from Cleveland a few weeks ago for a job, but this episode really made me miss my old home. It captured the way that you can love a place for its imperfections and struggles as much as its hidden treasures. Sure, Cleveland is prettier in the spring and summer. So what? I think some people were hoping for a picture perfect postcard, while this was more of a tongue in cheek (but heartfelt) love letter.
gc
I was depressed after watching the first 5 mins of the show. I'm a lifelong Clevelander, from family raised in Collinwood to currently living in Tremont. I've lived in Geauga County and the suburbs. I live and die with our beloved sports teams and had all my schooling in Ohio. I've also traveled the world. I love the Food Network and look forward to visiting cities and cultures highlighted by it. After watching this episode of 'No Reservations' I can't imagine anyone wanting to visit Cleveland...ever. There was so much more that could have been done, for starters, how about visiting in the Summer or Fall? Sure, anyone from Cleveland would watch the show and say, 'yup, that's our city...abandoned warehouses and fat food." With our snow, struggling Browns, and "poorest big city in America" tag, couldn't you have tried to be more positive? At least get AB back in town for a change of season and check out the great places on the east/west side and downtown.
julie
What a jolt Cleveland was--especiallyafter the warmth and sensuality of French Polynesia. I liked the Pekar stylings, the making of the cassoulet and some other moments, but I have to agree--this "No Reservations" wasn't the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce's dream come true.
Ruhlman and Bourdain together is always an interesting puzzle. Bourdain seems so authentic and personable while Ruhlman (whom AB obviously adores and has a blast with) comes across so stiffly, as a bit of a yuppie tool. The "man of the people" moments--and snarky comments re: AB--just don't ring true (at least not on camera).
If you really love Cleveland for God's sake, why not whole-heartedly show it? A little passion would be a good contrast to AB's more droll enthusiasms. Just a suggestion--in the case of future adventures. (Buddy movies thrive on character and contrast, after all....)
Sara
You know, after coming back to check these comments for a few days, I'd like to respond to all the Clevelanders who are convinced no one will ever want to go to their city now.
Yeah, it looked dirty and dingy in parts, but that's winter, and that's urban life. Part of Cleveland's American legacy is its role in our industrial growth, and the city will always bear those scars. Start being proud of them! Londoners (and I know, I know, London is much larger and much more "relevant," I guess, than Cleveland, but bear with me) are proud of the parts of their city that are still pockmarked and crumbling from wars and industrial expansion -- own it, Cleveland! And no one will hold winter against you... have you ever seen New York City after 3 feet of snow being left on the sidewalks for two weeks? Disgusting.
And what's wrong with the food we saw? When it's cold you don't want to be served dollops of caviar on top of mango... sor- panna- well, I'm not a chef, but somethin' all fancy-like. You want home cooking; hot and hearty food with flavor and tradition. And Cleveland clearly has a lot of that. And the rest of country did get to see at least one example of Cleveland's haute cuisine, and a very good example at that.
I don't think your city came off as bad as you thought it did. If anything it came off as quintessentially American, which is really something you should be proud of.
Tags
You locals better stop complaining about how bad your city looks - or celebrities will start showing up and adopting your children.
Janet
Knowing nothing about Cleveland before watching the show, I was pleasantly surprised. NR doesn't sugarcoat Cleveland but it also brings out a lot of the great qualities of the city. You and Tony are a riot together and I hope you continue to make episodes together. It always seems much more fun and genuine when he's with friends. Open invitation to come to Houston- my much maligned hometown-we may not have much in the way of "culture" but we make up for it in the rapidly growing ethnic diversity in terms of food. Our New Chinatown continues to grow and grow at an alarming pace, Little India is alive and well, Mx food flourishes, etc etc. I'm sure NR could do justice to it. Looking forward to Hong Kong today. Keep up the great work!
ruhlman
cleveland plain dealer acknowledges local grumbling:
http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1188636247161750.xml&coll=2
nina
c'mon - tony went to red hook, queens and brighton beach for the nyc episode and no one's nose got out of joint. and, the new frontier for artists, musicians and foodies in nyc is bushwick! none of the really young, interesting, creative people can afford to eat at the 4-star restaurants but they find fabulous authentic food and create authentic community. it's all part of being a traveler, not a tourist, even in one's own city or town.
Ms.Anthrope
I can't say anything that hasn't already been said (and probably more eloquently) in defense of Celveland.
If any of us were lucky enough to have cameras turned on our hometown, I am sure there would be a shopping list of things they could have/should have featured or left out. If you want nothing but the pretty stuff, perhaps Giada's Weekend Getaways would have been a better choice.
Urban decay is what it is. Some will see it as an ugly testament to what WAS instead of looking beyond it to see the beauty of grey concrete and steel against a cold, grey backdrop.
I will admit, I don't get the "FREE" stamp as art but it certainly is a curiosity.
And surfers are so charmingly weird, they will surf just about anywhere they can find a wave. Granted, I think I would prefer a shark bite scar to a nasty staph infection...but on bad day in the Pacific, I could get both!
Badger
Another NE OH transplant here (born and raised in Stark County, now living in Austin, TX) chiming in way late to say this episode made me terribly homesick, even though it was filmed at my LEAST favorite time to visit the old homestead.
There's not much I miss about Ohio EXCEPT the food. There's stuff up there that you truly can't find anywhere else. Forget Skyline Chili -- why can I not find broasted chicken anywhere outside of Ohio? Do you know how thrilled I was to find a Hungarian restaurant (in Pflugerville, TX of all places) serving chicken paprikas and rouladen and cabbage rolls down here?
That's my comfort food -- the food of my childhood. While I absolutely adore the southern cooking (and interior Mexican, yum!) of my adopted home, when I'm cooking for just myself, it's pork, cabbage and potatoes all the way. Very few restaurants down here serve that kind of food.
As for depressing/gritty, hello, ALL of NE OH looks like that in the winter. You want pretty, try Holmes County in early October. I was perversely thrilled to learn this episode filmed in January. The buckeye state has many facets, and this is one of them. And while I may not miss it, I'm still sort of in love with it.
Deacon
One of the best No Reservations, in my opinion. I am sure that I liked it more because I frequent this blog.
I am not a fan of fast food/chain restaurants to say the least, but I cannot miss a chance to eat Skyline when in the Cincy area. I won't touch that cheese, but I do enjoy the other ingredients.
Deacon
I am in Austin also. We need to get Bourdain to do a show here.
michelle v
Next time Bordain e-mails you, tell him not everyone hated thos show. With the exception of Skyline and a not very clear explanation of the stamp, I loved it! Thanks for getting him here.
Frances
The larger than life stuff is great. We used to see a giant apple every Summer when we passed through Winchester, VA on our way to WV. We kids loved it. What kid wouldn't love a giant apple (peach, gorilla, roller skate...). I remember the debate about what the apple would taste like if we took a bite. The general concensus was "rusty." But kids love this stuff.
The "FREE" stamp is something that kids who live in Cleveland, or who are just passing through, will always remember. Because it's big. And I'll bet it has sparked many a debate among the 5 to 12 year-old set. I found some links while I was looking for the apple.
http://www.ohiobarns.com/othersites/largerthanlife/ltloh.html
http://www.ohiobarns.com/othersites/largerthanlife/va/46-08book.html
http://www.ohiobarns.com/othersites/largerthanlife/va/46-08office.html
http://www.ohiobarns.com/othersites/largerthanlife/va/46-08wcan.html
http://www.ohiobarns.com/othersites/largerthanlife/va/46-34apple.html
michelle v
Thanks for the checking out the blog. Consider yourself added, right below Mario.
Ms.Anthrope
Cool! The Wasp has a Starship Troopers-ish look about it and the Jesus is just a bit, ummm, scary.
Thanks for passing it on Frances.
Susan MS
Hey,
Totally into the NR Austin idea. I have thought of places in both Abilene and Austin, kind of a bbq-trail. (Joe Allens, perini's, east Austin, and probably some cabrito in there somewhere, then the salt lick) I love the P'ville resturant, we go often.
I have an outsiders view of the Cleveland episode. Really makes me want to visit, when it has never crossed my mind before.
Being from TX and a chili girl, what in the world are they putting in that stuff to give everyone the runs?
Badger
Rumor has it that Bourdain will be at the Paramount in Austin on October 20 this year. Whether he's going to film an ep of NR in conjunction with that, I don't know. I mean, he's gotta eat while he's here anyway, right? Might as well bring a camera.
I thought we had a solid rep as a foodie town, so I don't know why he's never done a show here. Instead we get Rachael Ray. Fucking travesty, if you ask me.
Claudia
Benedict:
The cassoulet recipe is in the Les Halles cookbook. I think you can also get it on-line (taken from the book). Tony distributed cheat sheets with the recipe on it at a talk/cooking demo he gave last October, so I've been using that one.
BTW, even though I'm not a big cassoulet fan, his was gorgeous. Beautifully redolent of thyme, unctuous and (believe it or not) - light. And, yes, the bowlful I got had a chunk of duck confit and saucisson de Toulouse in it. A "light" bowl of cassoulet? Man, that takes skill . . .
Ron K
I have to address a comment to the Clevelanders who feel the show slammed the city: I was born and raised in Cle and I stay as active in the city's cultural life as I can, and I fail to how any of that constituted an insult. I thought it was glorious! All of it - even, no especially, the sewer surfers - are among the reasons that I stay here, walking distance from Sokolowski's and the WSM. I suspect y'all are the skittish, priggish dullards who consider anything short of Growth Association rah-rah pander-to-developers everything-is-peachy-keen crap to be an "insult." May you spend the rest of your days on earth peeing sand. Oh, and since it seems obligatory to shout out a fave food establishment at this point, for god's sake, why didn't you guys go to MELT?
(Great episode, thanks, Mr. Ruhlman.)
KatD
I don't know if the thread is still open for questions, but I have one. The mid-season eps have been so great, and Cleveland and Hong Kong were no exceptions.
My question: Tony makes these video essays look so effortless (not to mention fun!) but we all know they must be an awful lot of work. Kind of like "Words and Music" when two different people are writing a song.
So, I'm curious which comes first--the editing or Tony's writing? It's hard to imagine the process being separate. Or does he sit and participate in going through all the footage (I'm guessing 80% of which is left on the cutting room floor)?
The food in Hong Kong looked absolutely fantastic and the AB-as-martial artist-was great touch. But...which comes first, the chicken or the egg, the editing or writing? And...thanks!
rockandroller
I'd like to know the answer to KatD's question as well. We watched the HK episode last night and the first thing my husband said when it was over was, "THAT'S what the Cleveland episode should have felt like." (fun, variety, "ugly" alleys juxtaposed with great people working hard to produce really good food). I question how/why the Cleve episode was edited the way it was.
"The Internets" seem to think that Clevelanders are just reluctant to "face up" to the gritty reality of what was shown. But I can't help, after watching it a 2nd time, wondering why most of the exciting or good parts of the city seemed to be edited out (Lola being the exception) and instead the focus was on the kitsch. I wasn't looking for a CVB advertisement for Cleveland, but I think if it was supposed to be even close to an authentic representation of where Clevelanders go for good food, it missed the mark. I wish people wouldn't plan to visit Cleveland because they think it's sort of fascinating, like watching a train wreck, but instead have a genuine interest and level of pleasant surprise in the variety of great food we have available.
Just my 2 cents. I know the horse is dead and I'll try to let him rest in peace.
Scott
Great Episode.
Watched it with my buddy who is now living in C-bus. Middle of the episode WSM segment and he turns to me and says "Columbus is a nice city and all...BUT DAMMIT I'M A CLEVELANDER AND I REALLY LOVE THAT PLACE!"
Cheer up Cleveland you are truly unique.
Amber
I just moved to Cleveland. For me, the show aired in perfect timing coinciding with my weekend explorations.
I want to see the surfers this winter, although I will bring GLBC Edmund Fitzgerald Porter as it is more fitting with the frigid waves of the great lakes. Where along Lakeshore Blvd can I find the sewer surf? Is it near the Cleve/Euclid border?
Ted
Ruhlman,
Don't let Bourdain do an Austin show. Austin's been severely californicated.. he's done Califas. Austin's been messed with too much..
But! If he avoided Austin and did San Antonio, that could be OK. Hell, he could do a San Antonio show on just Bandera Rd & Culebra Rd. And maybe Zarzamora!!
Ajua!
Deacon
Bourdain mentioned Austin as a possible NR site in an interview. I read it several months ago.
Sorcha
Ruhlman's not a slut? Way to ruin my dreams, man.
God, I'm so ashamed of myself right now.
Sorcha
I swear I put that on the right post. *sigh*
Claudia
Re: the HK episode post above:
Having been raised in Hong Kong, I was totally blown away by the HK episode. Tony really did his home work - no tourist would think to eat their way through Taipo Market or Yuen Long, even though, as we all saw, the food in Taipo is . . . well . . . miraculous. I can't believe Tony even ferreted out my favorite goose/plum sauce dish, on top of the fabulous pork, etc. And the race track at Happy Valley? My family are lifelong members of the Royal HK Jockey Club, and I could see the track below me, at the end of my street. The old footage of all the Hakka sampans lashed together, for a people who live their entire lives on boats? Loved it. Dim sum as a contact sport? Well, now my husband and in-laws see why I get pretty physical when we have dim sum here in NY. And the motif of HK as a pinball machine on tilt? FINALLY, someone got that right.
The only thing he might have addressed was the floating restaurants in Aberdeen, where your dinner is still swimming around in tanks under the restaurant/boat, but I thought the typhoon crab segment might have made up for it.
After being back in the States for nearly 30 years, someone finally was able to make me "homesick". Thanks, Tony. Really good job.
To reinforce the feeling of HK's fast, frenetic pace, I noticed that ZeroPointZero was doing a lot of jump cuts and slow-mos into freeze frames with the added 3D effects (like the subject is pulled forward out of the background of the frame), very like Guy Ritchie's brilliant Snatched. Of course, they storyboarded the Clevelaned episode like a cartoon strip, because of the Pekar aspect. So I guess the production team is not only refining their cinematography and "art direction" for each episode, but tryin g to make them more appropriate to each locale. Tony, a lifelong film fanatic, is getting even more "cinema verite" with his own work (!) Remember the Sicily episode? Very Fellini-esque and B&W towards the end? I thought the "action sequence" was hysterical, but I liked the cinematography throught the entire episode.
OK, my 2 cents. Or maybe it was a full dime.
Dennis
It looks like the Travel Channel isn't running this episode anytime soon. So I put a bunch of clips on Youtube of it. If there are any other clips you want, just let me know.
The Sausage Shoppe Clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lybeg6_R-O8
Sokolowski's clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_2ANHLi8RA
Lola's Clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9-qkxh7Rgc
Hot Sauce Williams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWM33qUXq0k
West Side Market
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9axN9w1n2Z8
I thought it was a great episode, probably the best one yet.
Kat
"So I guess the production team is not only refining their cinematography and "art direction" for each episode, but tryin g to make them more appropriate to each locale."
I rewatched the HK episode last night and couldn't agree more! The photography and editing were spectacular and PERFECTLY showcased both the amazing food and the city. How I want to go back.
I'm so impressed how Tony & the production team manage to keep a consistent quality of writing, "story", filming and editing wherever they go, and also change the style of the "film" to fit each new place they share.
There's no other show remotely like it on television--despite the abundance of food and travel shows. I hope they win an Emmy for Beirut, but really the entire series deserves one.
Compliments to all involved--you do a fantastic job. Thank you.
ruhlman
michael heaton's column yesterday:
http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/118906973230510.xml&coll=2
Patti
I moved to Cleveland Heights from Atlanta 10 years ago. I do not miss Atlanta one bit. I love Cleveland and appreciate its character more every day.
It is a wonderful place to live (not rush around live a rat in a lab experiment and call it living). Sure, it's not "bright and shiney" like Atlanta, but it is somewhere you can call home and feel at home.
There is so much here to do and enjoy. And because it's so easy to get around, you have a lot more time to do all those things.
Personally, I love winters here. "There's no such thing as bad weather--just bad clothes."
Liz
Just got back to Chicago after my first ever trip to Cleveland - loved it so much that we decided we'd go back to "the Cleve" regularly, if only to eat at Crop again. Seriously, the best lamb tenderloin I've ever eaten - and if all waiters are as hot as the one we had on Tuesday night, I'll freaking move.
Katrina
I realize I'm a bit late in responding to this post, but I also wanted to share my personal Cleveland story. I had open heart surgery at the Clinic 4 years ago. Since I didn't have oh-so-happy memories of my experience in Cleveland (ventilators and catheters can easily prevent good times), my friends and I decided to change that. So, now every year we make the trek out to Cleveland from Lancaster, PA in celebration. I have some amazing memories and experiences from my trips and I'm looking forward to another great time as we head out again this weekend. I've been spreading the Cleveland love ever since my 2nd trip and I'm usually met with a skeptical response. No worries. I'm still working on it.
Any suggestions on restaurants?