Friday, March 5th, 6PM: Dennis Mastrangelo Art Opening

Dennis Mastrangelo's photographs will be on display throughout March 2010

Join us as we take in the natural beauty of Dennis Mastrangelo’s photographs – getting us ready for spring! Mr. Mastrangelo will be on hand to answer questions about his photographs and techniques.

Dennis Mastrangelo attended Cooper School of Art and graduated in 1972 with a major in painting and printmaking. Dennis currently works as a full time gardener and finds inspiration for his photography in the flowers he grows and the natural world around him. He has displayed his photographs in juried shows at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Lake Metroparks, Gates Mills, and the Fairmount Center. He has had one man shows at High Peaks Coffee Shop in Chesterland, Geauga Lyric Theater, Donald Meyer Nature Center, Lucky’s Cafe in Tremont and Bellasano Cafe in Concord.

The walls of Vine and Bean Cafe look like a beautiful spring day already.

Friday, March 5th, 8PM: The Tumbleweed Trio

Following up the art show, we’re excited to present The Tumbleweed Trio, featuring local merry-maker James Kelley on fiddle and a few of his more notoriously fun and proficient friends.

Mr. Kelley has played at V&B before with our good friends Gene’s Jazz Hot. He promises that there will be “Sweet songs and Hot Licks. Western and Western Swing, some Swing standards too.”

We can’t wait!

Saturday, March 6th, 8PM: 2Men and a Campfire

Two men, two harmonizing voices, two guitars, and a metaphorical campfire make for a very fun evening. Last time these gents came by everyone was blown away by their talent and charm. We’re expecting no less this time.

We have the fireplace, so we're assuming they won't bring the campfire.

Starting tonight, Vine and Bean Cafe will be featuring the following items on our lunch and dinner menus:

Vegetarian Lasagna -

Sausage and Peppers – Local Spicy Italian pork sausage, stewed with roasted red peppers, tomatoes and basil. Served with Parmesan cheese and house-made garlic bread.

Yes, I know it is snowing.

Snowmageddon has come to Cleveland.

However, at Vine & Bean we reward those who do not cower from the cold and blustery, do not wilt at sight of the white. We offer cozy community to all those willing to reach out for a Momma Mocha and a hot panini … or maybe a Cabernet by the fireplace.

It’s a special weekend here as we welcome some great music, some great new food and drink and say good bye to Andy, who is off the join the Peace Corps.

Friday, February 26, 8PM: Kerry Kean

Kerry Kean - Finger-style Guitarist

This Friday we welcome Kerry Kean to the Vine and Bean for the first time. Kerry is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and musical raconteur with a deep well of skills, stories, and showmanship to  warm up the evening.

He has been performing as a solo act for many years, opening for artists like John Fahey and John Hartford. In 1995 Kerry released “Guitarism”, a solo finger-style album which covers a wide range of musical territory. “Deer Tracks” from this album was selected for a Folknet compilation CD and is still in rotation on local radio stations.

Saturday, February 27, 8PM: Gene’s Jazz Hot

I’m not a big fan of consistency for it’s own sake, but I love that I can count on Gene and her merry band to bring a cornucopia of fun and beauty into the parlor.

Don’t miss out on the merriment this month.

Beer News:

We’ve added Denver Pale Ale from Great Divide Brewing to our menu.

DPA is a world-renowned, classic pale ale with a malty middle and an equally hearty complement of hop aroma, flavor and biterness. 5.4% ABV

Wine Special:

Tenuto Il Como Minna e Moro 2005 – Italian red for wine lovers, $4/glass

We recognize that it can be challenging to get out on a cold February evening, but we’re serving up some great entertainment to go with the other nourishment. This weekend we’ll also be adding some new beers and closing out some of our winter warmer ales in preparation for the change in beer season. Microbrews for 2.50!

Friday, February 19: Ryann Anderson

Ryann Anderson plays music that's like ice cream for your ears.

No one can create a mood quite like our good friend Ryann “Guitar” Anderson. Mr. Anderson will bring his Quasi-Acoustic Folk-Jazz Instrumentalist Groove Machine self  into the V&B Parlor this Friday.

Saturday, February 20: Black River Belles

These charming, funny ladies stole our heart last time they were in. They filled the parlor with some warm and tasty bluegrass built on their fine musicianship and sweet and powerful voices. This trio is the real thing and we only have them around until the end of the semester as they’ll be touring this summer. Don’t miss out!

Black River Belles - three-way harmonies sweet as a summer day

Beer Specials ($2.50 while supplies last):

• Heavy Handed IPA by Two Brothers Brewing – Heavy Handed IPA is brewed to celebrate the harvesting of the 
hops every year. Within moments of harvest we add freshly picked 
”Wet Hops” to this IPA. Since the hops have not been dried, they add a wonderful character found in no other beer. 
A hop lovers dream.
(Available September through December) 5.7% ABV
• Avalanche Amber Ale – Breckenridge Brewing – A blend of pale and caramel malts, and just a kiss of bittering hops to create a refreshing but flavorful ale.  Aromas of pale grains, as clean as Colorado snow.  Stay warm. 5.7% ABV

New Beers this week:

• Saint Bridget’s Porter by Great Divide: An elegant, smooth porter that brims with cofee and chocolate characteristics. Saint Bridget was a patron Saint of Ireland, known for the epic miracle of transforming her bathwater into beer for thirsty clerics. 5.9% ABV
• Loose Cannon Hop3 Ale by Clipper City Brewing : Called hop cubed ale to reflect the over 3 lbs of hops per barrel! Also hopped 3 ways – in the kettle, in the hop back, and dry hopped. 7.25% ABV

We are all set for guests tonight and tomorrow, gathering here at Vine and Bean Cafe to celebrate Valentine’s Day or maybe just the amazing culinary art of our chefs.

We’ve been getting a lot of calls asking if there is still room for the hungry and and/or loving, and the answer is yes. Both seatings tonight (2/12) have some room and the early seating tomorrow( 2/13, 6PM) has a few additional tables available.

See the menu and make reservations here or just call! 216-707-3333

Quinn Sands will provide warmth and song 2/5.

This is the most challenging part of the winter.  The holidays are over. The snow looks old. Everything outside (and sometimes inside) has that eerie salt dust on it, giving everything a kind of Mad Max somberness. Things are slippery. Things are chapped.

Luckily, we are all in this together and we can count on each other to keep our spirits up and focus on the good things in life. Here at Vine and Bean Cafe, we are working hard to keep our cozy going – fire in the fireplace, candles lit, warm soup, nice wine, winter warmer beers, hot tea, and amazing food worthy of slowing down for the full taste experience.

This week includes a great wine tasting event, and two amazing musicians.

Friday, February 5, 6:30PM: Wine Tasting for Lovers and Wine Lovers

Tenuta Il Corno Minna e Moro

Tracey English returns with a list of fantastic wine finds that inspire amorous thoughts for others… and for wine. We use these event to showcase unique wines and to help us find the wines we should add to our list. Come give us a hand determining the next stars of our wine list.  We will also be highlighting some new items on our menu paired with each of the wines. Five new wines and menu items will be presented. I don’t want to give all the surprises away but I’m particularly excited about:

• Sediento Red (Malbec/Bonadra) from Argentina
• Tenuta Il Corno Minna e Moro from Italty
• Curried Yukon Gold potato samosas with tamarind chutney (all housemade)
• Our new winter triple cream cheese board

Reservations are filling up. Please let us know if you plan to attend. Come early and stay late, because after the wine tasting we have….

Friday, February 5, 8PM: Quinn Sands plays songs for lovers or lovers of songs

Quinn Sands returns for another evening of delectable songcraft and performance. This is a duo show with bassist Adam Rich. It should be a beautiful night.

Saturday, February 6, 8PM:Mitch Reed

Mitch Reed is not a blues man, folk-singer, or the often over-used and meaningless term “singer/songwriter”. He’s just a guitar player, and particularly enjoys finger-picking in the styles of Leo Kottke, Bob Brozman, Merle Travis, and countless others. Come by and hear some ragtime, country blues, 12-string, and whatever else he is in the mood for.

Two specials are on our board this week, starting tonight:

Butternut Squash Bread Pudding with sage brown butter cream sauce (v)

Parker Bosley

This is the same recipe that Chef Heather created for the Parker Bosley tribute this last week. The bread pudding is rich and flavorful and the sage brown butter cream sauce adds the tangy high notes that bring out all the flavors and blossom into palate excitement. The plate includes our V&B vinaigrette side salad.

Local Guallio Pork-filled Cilantro Crepes with Shitake Mushroom Gravy.

The local organic pulled pork is flavored with the same sauce that has made our breakfast burrito a favorite at brunch, full flavored and just a little smokey with long depth from the sauteed peppers and onions. The crepes are a beautiful as they are delicious and, blossom under the influence of the mushroom gravy. The plate includes our V&B vinaigrette side salad.

We have some new musical acts as well as new menu items this weekend.

Friday, January 29: Vic Samalot

Vic Samalot

Vic Samalot comes in Friday at 8PM to spread some solo jazz love around the parlor. Bring a date. Have some wine. It will be cozy. Vic will make things nice.

Saturday, January 30: The Bar Snatchers

We haven’t got a clear answer as to what a bar snatcher is or what they do, but it sounds like fun and we’ll find out on Saturday when this voice and guitar trio takes over the parlor for what promises to be good fun.

The Bar Snatchers are Sarah Bellamy on vocals and guitar, Dave Stone on guitar and keyboards, and Pete Psarras on bass will be playing the Vine and Bean for the first time, but we’re excited to have them and hope that you’ll help us show them a warm welcome.

Liz and Stu of Porch

Porch

First off, we got this great new pic of Liz and Stu from their last performance at Vine and Bean. They put on a great show anytime, but tonight they will be featuring special guests Seth Rosen, of the Sethro Quartet and Gene’s Jazz Hot, and stand-up bass player and singer, Barbara Whitten, of Crazy Rhythm.

It’s going to be a fun night.

Heather and Ky-Wai have come up with some amazing new tastes for us to offer you.

Small Plates

Some have found our usual portions to be more than they’re looking for, especially during a night out to see some music and have a few drinks. Our Small Plates menu offer some amazing tastes that are big enough for a light meal or great to share.

• Curry Samosas: Yukon Gold Potatoes, English Peas and local carrots simmered in a coconut curry sauce and wrapped in phyllo, served with tamarind chutney.
• Local Lamb and Pork Mongolian Meatballs: Local, organically produced lamb and pork are combined with Ky’s magical Mongolian Barbecue sauce to create a huge taste that unfolds lovingly in your mouth. Topped with sesame seeds, scallions, and cilantro to make the journey complete.

Come on by!

Lagunitas Censored Copper Ale

We love when the beer truck brings us new goodies.  We’ve been without Lagunitas Censored for a little while to make room for some holiday ales, but we’re excited to have this rich malty beer back in stock. It starts out hoppy, with a nice caramel malt flavor coming through as it warms up. 6.4% ABV

We have a new arrival as well. Bell’s Winter White Ale. A Wheat Ale brewed with American Wheat and a proprietary blend of Hefe and classic Belgian-style yeasts. A refreshing winter alternative created from the subtle fusion of two classic flavors. 4.9% ABV