2020 To Dine Challenge

It's here. It's here! The new year.

Over here on the blog, that means another annual To Dine Challenge launches.

During the month of December, you all submitted your restaurant suggestions. I narrowed down the list to just 10, and I will challenge myself to dine at all of them before the year closes. Thank you again for participating and sending in all of the great restaurants to choose from. You always make it difficult to pick, but that's a good thing. So, here we go...

1. Batuqui Cleveland (flavors of Brazil on Larchmere)

2. Capo Steaks (best cheesesteaks in town, according to an Uber driver, on St. Clair)

3. Bistro Du Beaujolais (French bistro in Olmsted Falls)

4. Literary Tavern (new spot in Tremont from the same owner of D'Agnese's and Cantine)

5. Lock 15 Brewing Co. (Akron brewery)

6. Salted Dough (new pizza joint in Broadview Heights from former chef of Touch and Crust)

7. Stevenson's Bar & Grill (bar known for their burger on East 200th Street)

8. Tapitas Taqueria (Mexican on Lorain Avenue)

9. Vento la Trattoria & Wine Bar (Italian in Bay Village)

10. Warren's Spirited Kitchen (contemporary dining in Burton of Geauga County)

Ok, who's coming with me? Leave a comment on this post or message me on social media (@BiteBuff) if you'd like to join me for any of these dining adventures. I'll keep track.

2019 was the worst year of my life. Between losing my dad, facing work challenges that forced a major mind-shift, and seeking the peace and relief that I needed mentally and emotionally to survive, it wasn't an easy 12 months to say the least. I didn't set any big goals for myself and just wanted to get through the year. But I'm certain that even brighter days are ahead in 2020. My personal goals are to focus on my physical health (we purchased The Mirror for a connected fitness system in-home), travel more (hello, 3 trips already scheduled!), and learn at least one new hobby (well on my way with Christmas gifts of a calligraphy kit, chess set, tarot cards, and a pasta maker). Have you set any goals for the new year?

I just want to say "best wishes" to you for the new year and "thank you" for your interest in following along on my dining adventures. This blog celebrated 10 years in 2019, and it has always brought me joy, new friends, and amazing opportunities that I am forever grateful for. Cheers to the new year! Now, where should we hit first on the 2020 To Dine Challenge list?