Ginko - Tokyo In Tremont

They say good things come to those who wait. Well, we waited and waited for Dante Boccuzzi's plan to bring a piece of Tokyo into the lower club-like level of his famed Dante restaurant in Tremont. As setback after setback reared it's head on the construction side, it seemed like this project would never be done. It's all come together and let me tell you it was well worth the wait!


Unlike anything Cleveland has ever seen, Ginko marries true Japanese-style sushi and Shabu-Shabu with Dante's eclectic twist. The Japanese word for bank, which is fitting since it's set in the lower level of an old bank, Ginko is a feast for the eyes, ears and tastebuds. Take a peek.

Japanese beer, sake, tea and inspired cocktails are what's
available on the drink menu. 

One entire wall is backlit and covered by gorgeous blown glass art. Hi Chef!

The rest of the walls are either high-gloss red lacquer, bright
white or glossy back tile.

Seating consists of a curved sushi bar that seats 30...

2 booths that seat 4-6 each (and where you can order
Shabu-Shabu, a Japanese version of fondue) and 2
hightop tables.

The bar is inset with a flowing water river under glass.

Shining down on everything is the bubble chrome ceiling.

The food is unbelievable and amazing and I can't wait to go back.

Shellac Fedora & Gelish Passion, It's A Lily

Here are my latest faves in the Shellac world. Just for the record, I'm still loving this. It still lasts at least 3 weeks without chipping or wear. Though, due to the amount of grow out at the cuticle, I usually have it redone every 2 weeks or so. Since nails typically grow faster in the summer, I'm hoping I can start to go 3 weeks in between in the winter. If you missed my initial review you can read it here. I still haven't found any difference in wear whether I use CND's Shellac or Nail Harmony's Gelish. I have found that quite a few nail salons refer to it as shellac regardless of which brand they are using.

I sooo love this color, but keep in mind it looks
dramatically different in natural vs artificial lighting.
super hot bright pink sometimes....

and coral other times!

I also wanted to note that, in a few weeks time, your nails will probably get a bit long and need a file down. I have had no problem whatsoever in filing them with this polish on. No chips or peeling at all.

Fresh Fork Weeks 11-17

Or otherwise known as "I'm a really bad blogger"! It wasn't until my girlfriend asked me if I was still getting the Fresh Fork that I realized I have so not kept up with my posts. What can I say? I was really enjoying that last bit of summer and gearing up for fall.

There has been so much fabulous food coming my way that I'm actually starting a bit of a diet tomorrow. The Special K Challenge, to be exact. Don't judge. I have 7 pounds to lose (that creeped it's way into my skinny jeans since last year) and have always been really good at eating super healthy and portion control while not depriving myself of treats (chocolate, wine). But recently things have gotten a bit - more. Just more. More food, more fun and more (just a little bit) of me. So I need a jump start to get back to where I've been for so many years now. It's a quick 2 week plan that doesn't starve you (we'll see!). I can still cook and enjoy a regular dinner at home. I'll keep you guys updated on how it goes. But back to the food. Here's a rundown of what we've been enjoying from the Fork.

WEEK 11

1 4-oz package goat chevre cheese from Lucky Penny Farm

1 watermelon 

6 ears corn

1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes (multi-color)

2 ct zucchini 

2 ct yellow summer squash

Approx 1.5 lbs red slicing tomatoes

Quarter-lb basil

2 green bell peppers

1 large black opal eggplant

1 large candy onion  

Week 12

1 pint blackberries

1 quart yogurt

1 lb nitrate free bacon from Berkshire hogs

Approx 1.5 lbs slicing tomatoes

1 head leaf lettuce

3 lbs new potatoes yukon gold variety 

1 bunch swiss chard 

1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes 

Approx 1.5 lbs peaches 

Week 13

1 yellow doll watermelon

2 ct eggplant

1 quart hot hungarian peppers

1 lb clover honey

1 medium canteloupe

Approx 1 lb heirloom tomatoes 

2 summer squash

1 pint mixed baby sweet peppers

Quarter Peck Golden Supreme apples 

Approx 1 lb slicing tomatoes 

Week 14

6 ears super sweet Miria 301 corn

3 lbs yukon gold potatoes

1 lb grassfed ground beef

1 lb green beans

Approx 1.5 lbs Flaming Fury Lucky 13 and John Boy peaches 

2 ct cucumbers 

3 ct yellow summer squash 

8 oz bag or bunch of kale

1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes 

2 ct eggplant

WEEK 15

1 lb pumpkin sage linguini

2 lb log of butter made from grass-grazed, organic milk 

2 ct eggplant

red peppers

2 ct winter squash (butternut, acorn, spaghetti)

1 lb yellow wax beans

Quarter peck Gala apples 

1 head leaf lettuce 

1 bag small red potatoes

half gallon milk

3 ct red onions

add on order: pork jowl bacon (more on that later!)

WEEK 16 - we skipped and used a vacation week

WEEK 17

1 whole pasture raised chicken

3 lbs sweet potatoes

2 bulb hardneck garlic

2 lbs concord grapes

6 ears sweet corn

1 lb green beans

1 sleeve leaf lettuce   

63rd Emmy Awards - Ladies In Red

The biggest trend so far of the night is red. It takes a remarkable dress to compete with the red carpet and these ladies brought their best.

Lea Michele in Marchesa {via}

Kerry Washington in Zuhair Murad Couture {via}

Kate Winslet in Elie Saab {via}

Angela Kinsey {via}

Giuliana Rancic {via}

Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan {via}

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang {via}

Nancy O'Dell {via}

Connie Britton {via}

Perhaps it was this promo photo of Jane Lynch that inspired the trend.

SS2012 - One Extreme To Another - Reed Krakoff, Michael Kors, Christian Siriano

Going modern and simplistic at Reed Krakoff to a wild tribal ride over at Michael Kors to fairytale flutter at Christian Siriano. Anything to keep me from being completely and utterly board (as I was with the Tory Burch and J. Crew collections - so disappointed!)

Reed Krakoff

Michael Kors

Christian Siriano

SS2012 - Award Show Dresses - Marchesa, Badgley Mischka, Zac Posen

I can totally see Halle Barry in this Zac Posen.

Award season is upon us and these are my picks I'm hoping to see on the red carpet for the Emmys, Golden Globes, SAGs and Oscars. I've also added some shorter dresses that would be perfect to be worn for all the pre-show engagements.  Academy Award luncheon, perhaps?

Marchesa

Badgley Mischka

Zac Posen

SS2012 - Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan, Rodarte

Carolina Herrera

With a palette reminiscent of an early spring garden, she brings a bit of structure and ladylike ease to the runway.

Donna Karan

Donna goes earthy and tribal with a hint of vibrancy and, as always, a great eye for the female form.

Rodarte

This collection is like oil paintings come to life with deep rich hues of gold, greens and blues.

SS 2012 RTW - L.A.M.B., Rachel Zoe, Victoria Beckham

Starting with three of my absolute favorite ladies, here are my picks from their shows.

L.A.M.B.

Working with a heavy mix of relax-chic California-meets-street style, towering platforms and her signature bags, Miss Stefani brought her perchance for prints while mixing in a more neutral (for her) palette.

Rachel Zoe

Rachel Zoe says this collection is all about easy glamour. With flowing figure flattering dresses and precisely tailored separates these looks can easily take you through 3 seasons. Now that her FW2011 line has hit stores, word is that the fit is incredible. This is a woman who definitely knows how women's clothes should fit and feel.

Victoria by Victoria Beckham

Finally! A supreme, juicy, candy filled pop of color. Beckham debuted her less expensive dress line for a small group of editors. Doing a complete 180 from her current collection of high priced, sophisticated, curve hugging dresses, she went cute, adorable, poppy mod.

Let me just say that I've seen these dresses in other pictures and they are adorable. For some reason they look so flat on this model.


Victoria Beckham

Posh kept the mod mood going at her first official fashion show for her signature line. Keeping with a similar streamlined aesthetic, she went a bit more casual and deconstructed than in the past.

I'm having such a Michael Kors SS2011 moment with the orange strapped dress!