Wine and Canvas Cleveland

I seem to be suffering from some sort of mystery plague right now that started about a month ago when I got food poisoning. Since then I've been feeling pretty meh, which has kept me home bound. But here's a little story about a recent adventure at Wine and Canvas Cleveland. (if I can make a halfway decent picture while I'm sick, anyone can)

Neil's picture was better than mine

What's Wine and Canvas you ask? Just the best way for non artistic people to get to paint a semi-professional looking picture in a couple hours! Held at different venues around town (east, west, and south), each painting event features a different theme. For instance, I went to Claddagh in Legacy Village to paint some sad looking birch trees, but you could go to Pickle Bills and paint a replica of Starry Night, Strongsville to paint palm trees, or one of many other locations around Cleveland and Akron to paint a picture that appeals to you. Classes are $35 and that includes your canvas, all the materials you need, and step by step instruction. (including instructions on how to fix painting boo boos...not that I needed any help with that...ahem) You start off with a completely blank canvas...and in no time, you have a masterpiece. Or at least something you wouldn't be embarrassed to hang up in your house.

What isn't included in the price of the class is wine. (unless you go to a private event, I think) So that means you can have wine, beer, tequila shots, or a hamburger. I actually think that's better. I'm kind of a wine snob and I'd rather pick out my own booze. (and the night I was at the class, I was sicker than I ever think I've been out in public, so H2O was fine by me)

I think this is a great activity for a girls night...even though I went with my boyfriend. He wasn't the only guy there, though, so guys - don't be afraid to check out Wine and Canvas Cleveland if this seems like something you'd be interested in doing. There was a really diverse crowd of people at this event (event though the "girl power" music they were playing was a little much for me) so whether you're young, old, male, or female...I think you'd enjoy a Wine and Canvas event. Even if you have no artistic ability! 

P.S. If you're reading this and you don't happen to be in Cleveland or Akron, Wine and Canvas has locations across the U.S. so you can join in on the fun even if you're not here in the CLE!

Weekly Wine and Chocolate Tastings at Fantasy Candies in Lyndhurst

I like sweet things. More than I probably should. Ice cream. Brownies. Cupcakes. Riesling. Moscato...I could go on forever, really. But you get my drift. If it's sweet, most likely, I'll like it.

I was watching good old Fox 8 in the Morning a few weeks ago and I saw a Kickin' it With Kenny spot featuring Fantasy Candies, a chocolate/wine shop within walking distance of my house. Although I'd driven by Fantasy Candies nearly every day, I'd only stopped in once, years ago, when they were in another location. I was immediately impressed by the selection of chocolates that appeared on my screen and I was even more impressed when they mentioned having weekly wine and chocolate tastings in the store for only $10.

And so I went. Well, we went. Me and the new boyfriend. (more on that in another post) He and I joke that we're fat kids at heart, so before heading out to dinner last Saturday, we dropped by Fantasy Candies in the 6:00 hour for some booze and candy. Who says you shouldn't have dessert first?

We were warmly greeted by Joel, the owner and he got us set up with a plate full of some of his amazing candies and equally amazing wines. He took the time to talk to us about the different wines and how they complimented the various chocolates. Clearly, he knows his stuff. And you can tell how passionate he is about his business. I chatted with him for a little bit about other wine tastings in the area and asked him about business and he was more than happy to talk to me for quite awhile.

We were given 4 generous wine samples and 4 different kinds of chocolate, including Fantasy Candies' signature chocolate, SweetDreams 72, a high cocoa chocolate. I can honestly say that I liked all of the pairings. There was a zinfandel with a dark chocolate, a Riesling with a key lime truffle, a sparkling red wine with a milk chocolate truffle, and a milk chocolate caramel with sea salt with a port. I can honestly say that I liked all of the chocolates equally because they were all so rich and good. I'm not much of a red wine drinker, but the wines paired with the chocolates were all really flavorful and completely complemented the candies.

These tastings are held every Saturday from 6-8 p.m. right inside Fantasy Candies. Plus, there are other special events held intermittently that you can find out about if you follow Fantasy Candies' facebook page or sign up for their email list. They also have a really good sized space for holding private tastings or events. (think ladies night out, corporate meeting, or bridal shower!)

So if you're a sweets lover like me, you like supporting local businesses, and you're looking for something fun and unique to do on a Saturday night, drop by Fantasy Candies!