Foodie Frenzy

Anyone who knows me personally knows that they're not allowed to take a bite of the food when it comes to our table unless I get to take pictures of it. Most of my family members just laugh and roll their eyes by now because they're extremely used to my foodie ways. 

In the first food blog post I ever wrote, I shared why the concept of food and sharing food pictures and recipes is something so special to me-- but this is a topic I want to revisit again. In short, my mother was a baker and chef for years while my father was an amazing photographer in his free time. Somehow I took a liking to the concepts together: food photography.

Growing up I have many memories of standing in my kitchen (on my tip toes) observing my mom work her magic: 

Whisking, sauteing, steaming and mixing. 

Flipping, chopping, smashing, and brewing.

...always wondering how my mom perfectly combined ingredients to create the most mouth-watering food I've ever tasted (most of the time without ever using recipes). The best part was she always let me help in any way my little fingers could contribute and I would feel so proud. 

My father was a genius behind the lens. Each step of the way growing up my father was there with the camera documenting and savoring every single moment. Although his camera was too complex for me to ever touch, I observed and learned how he was able to capture scenes and images that everyone else was blind to. 

I take immense pride in the passion that I have for cooking and food photography, and I know there are so many other Cleveland foodies, and people all over the world, who share this same exact feeling.  As much as I love having people follow my blog posts and my Savor the Flavor Instagram account @savetheflav, I firmly believe that I am the one getting the most satisfaction from all of this. 

As time goes on, I would absolutely love to pursue opportunities where I'm able to blog about food/recipes/restaurants near and far. Although it's not something I am not currently doing as a job like some bloggers, I feel so happy pursuing something I am passionate about. 

...I've come a long way since then!

I also feel fortunate to be a Cleveland native and witness the renaissance that has occurred here in the past few years--especially the food scene. I am damn proud of where I come from and I love to share everything Cleveland related. Food is a big part of that because pride because there is such deep rooted culture here in this city. 

Showing off my "chef skills" at age 6 or 7...

More to come this week... --KH

Life in the Land (Cleveland EATS)

When I last posted in March I shared my journey of the transition to a gluten-free diet.
 
Three months since that post, I am excited to share that I have happily been GF for nearly six months now! I have noticed a drastic change in my health and seldom experience the uncomfortable symptoms I was having for months.
 
Despite my diet restrictions, I have been endlessly exploring Cleveland's eats in every way possible since I've been home. Just when I thought I knew everything about my city...I keep finding new foodie adventures and hidden neighborhood gems)
 
I am interning full-time in downtown Cleveland which has allowed me to view the city from an entirely new perspective. I use every second of my free time to simply walk up and down the streets and learn something new. Not to mention--Cleveland has been electric since we became CHAMPS! The feeling of walking down the street in the past week has drastically changed. Strangers high-five and people hug when they see someone wearing Cavs clothing.
 
Parade confetti still graces the streets as a sweet, sweet reminder of the city's long awaited victory.
 
When I arrived back home from OU in April, I began to compile an ongoing list of things I was doing and a list of places that I wanted to go to ensure that I was making the most of my summer. I am very fortunate that my sister Celina and her husband have allowed me to live with them in my favorite neighborhood in all of Cleveland: Cleveland Heights. The Heights is such a unique, quirky, and versatile place. Down the street from their house on Lee Road is a number of restaurants, bars, shops, a movie theatre, and much more. For me, it's the ultimate summer location in Cleveland being a quick drive away from downtown, but yet in our own little niche.
 
I must admit that since I've been home I have been cooking less than I am used to...
 
I have been introduced to the rude reality of being an adult and feeling overwhelmed with busy work schedules and a lack of work-life balance. The thought of coming home after a long day and spending time cooking & then cleaning just does not sound appetizing!
 
When I am away at school, cooking is extremely therapeutic for me after a long day of classes and working two jobs. 

I hope to get back in that healthy habit soon enough.
 
For now, I want to share some of the food adventures that I have been drooling over the entire summer.

(If you want to view more pictures where I post frequently follow my instagram @tastetheland)
 



 Restore Coldpressed (Downtown Cleveland)
Avocado toast | Himalayan Pink Salt | Lemon | EVO | Cracked Pepper | Vine Ripened Tomatoes | GF bread

The toast everyone keeps talking about...had to try it for myself. The combination of these simple ingredients is INCREDIBLE



 

 

 Restore Coldpressed (Downtown Cleveland)
 Banana | Blueberry | Coconut Oil | Flaxseed | Raw Honey | Almond Milk

Saigon (E. 4th Street)- My personal favorite lunch spot
|Tender beef & brisket Pho|

Saigon offers such amazing portions of Vietnamese food for very affordable prices
This meal also turned into my dinner...
 

The Corner Alley (E. 4th Street)- Outdoor & open fun atmosphere
|Brisket nachos w/ a balsamic glaze|

Always enjoy visiting the Corner Alley with both coworkers and friends.
It's a fun atmosphere for just drinking or dining and offers decent options!

Gigi's on Fairmount (Cleveland Heights)
| The most beautiful Caprese salad I've ever seen...or tasted |

One of the only place in Cleveland Heights open for lunch during the week.
 My go to spot with girlfriends for a quick bite and a fun place to catch up (with martinis of course!)

The Greenhouse Tavern (E. 4th Street)
| The Ohio Beef Burger "Celiac Style." |

 I really appreciate the accommodations for a GFD on the menu at GHT
I have yet to order a meal that has disappointed me in the slightest

Yours Truly (Shaker Square)
| Freshly squeezed grapefruit mimosas & notso fries |

I must admit Notso fries are my utmost guilty please (especially after a night of one too many)
Love coming here on weekends...never a bad meal!

Brennan's Colony (Cleveland Heights)
| Potato Skins & Chicken Nachos |

I am extremely biased towards The Colony since I used to work here...
but it's hard to deny that Brennan's is a great summer spot with an unbeatable patio.
My summer has consisted of countless nights at Brennan's devouring potato skins during nerve-racking Cavs games.

Nighttown (Cedar Hill)
| Pea risotto w/ radish & greens |
Amazing service and a good option for a family meal, a date, or drinks with friends.
Another great patio with a full bar for the summer.

Nighttown (Cedar Hill)
| Pork Tenderloin w/ cilantro polenta, tomatoes, red wine reduction |

 

Metropolitan at The 9 (Adega) 
| Ciabatta & gravy w/ poached eggs |
 
 


 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Ecuador Eats

I am kicking myself for not posting since this summer--but I assure you I have been hard at work exploring all types of foods and cooking. Not to mention, a lot has changed with my diet but we'll get to that after the exciting stuff:

I will begin with the past December and my trip to Ecuador for 10 days.

I had long awaited my trip to South America and it was beyond fulfilling…but more so: filling.

My phone was nearby at all times to constantly take pictures of all of the food I consumed or the variety juices I drank. I LOVED how natural the juice is anywhere you go. I couldn’t get enough.

Every morning at our hostel, the kitchen would surprise us with all different flavors and we would pass each other’s juice around to the whole table (clearly we are not germaphobes—or we just spend too much time together to care). My personal favorite was the mulberry juice—the perfect amount of tart to have me completely satisfied. 

Our meals consisted of plenty of rice, avocado, beans, & meat (as expected). However the flavors were exquisite and fresher than imaginable. I also have a new found love for plantains cooked every which way and Ecuadorian CHOCOLATE.

A coastal Ecuadorian meal: rice, avocado, fried plantains, and fish

Mulberry Juice

Ecuador definitely stole a piece of my heart and I hope to travel back there one day with family to continue to explore and pick mangoes...

Over the past six months or so I have been experiencing very weird stomach problems, nausea, etc.-- these symptoms would occur a few hours after eating. I'm already a hypochondriac when it comes to my health so you could only imagine the types of things going through my mind. After a few doctors appointments and blood tests there was no conclusive results, so I began to do some research on my own. And then came GLUTEN. Now, I know in the medical field this is a controversial topic--especially since there is a lack of research regarding gluten intolerances. However, I have many friends and close family who have seen amazing relief from similar symptoms after completely removing gluten from their diets. So, I gave it a shot.

I have been gluten free since shortly after my Ecuador trip-- almost three months to be exact.

I was absolutely shocked by the results. I no longer experienced the sporadic symptoms that I had been experiencing for months. Whether it all be in my head, or gluten actually the problem, I was (and continue to be) content.  In terms of cooking, it's been a new adventure in the kitchen. I have become way more creative and I am always up for a challenge. It is interesting how much more I have to pay attention to food labels & ingredients. One of the down sides....is...beer. Those of you who know me understand my obsession and taste for craft beer, especially in Cleveland. Although, it has been fun to discover gluten-free beers. Thank goodness for wine!

The best part of being gluten-free: eating a copious amount of Mexican food. I eat tacos probably more than I should, but the ingredients so fresh, so easy, and there's countless combinations.  

Taco Tuesday happens a few times a week.

That's all for now--

KH