Stix and Buns at Lakewood Truck Park

The only time Mr. H and I have "dined in" since February was a recent visit to check out the new Lakewood Truck Park.

With plenty of outdoor and distanced seating, fire pits, umbrellas, and a good-sized outdoor bar (in addition to indoor seating and a large bar)...we thought it would be the best spot that we'd feel comfortable at during the pandemic. It was!

We stopped in on a particular Saturday for lunch in order to try the Stix and Buns food truck.

Man, it felt WEIRD to be out in public having a meal and a server bring us a adult beverage. But, oh so good.

That one experience out gave us such a boost in mental health, and I highly recommend checking out the Lakewood Truck Park. You can visit their website or social media for a list of upcoming food trucks (1-2 at a time for lunch and dinner service daily). An east side location is in the works.

But we were really there for the food! Andre, the owner (and one of the sweetest people I've met in a long time) of the 4-month old food truck Stix and Buns reached out to me to come try his menu.

We had The Shrimp Po Boy ($10) and wow the seasoning and hand-breading on the shrimp and the remoulade sauce were so flavorful and perfect. I would order this again in a heartbeat.

I knew I couldn't resist the chance to try this new truck. I mean, come on, half the menu is meat on a stick. This truck was MADE FOR ME! 

We had to try the Chicken & Waffles Pop ($10). Dunk it in maple syrup, and it's a sweet and savory explosion in your mouth.

I've always said there isn't enough meat on a stick.

His most popular item is the Lobster Pop (Market Price), and again the seasoning, breading, and Thai dipping sauce were all fantastic.

Can you fall in love with a food truck? NOT asking for a friend. Currently only doing private catering, events, and the Lakewood Truck Park...track the truck down as it's so worth it.

Stix and Buns (find them on Instagram for now)

Lakewood Truck Park

16900 Detroit Avenue

Lakewood, OH 44107

(216) 712-4032

Disclosure: I was invited to sample the menu at Stix & Buns food truck. All food was complimentary. All opinions stated are 100% my own.

Virtual Holiday Cookie Classes

Our local chefs and businesses are delighting me every day with the innovative ways they are pivoting their plans and talents to survive these times and meet the new needs, and my friend Chef Adam Bostwick is just one of those folks. 

He started Adam Bostwick's Kitchen, with custom culinary experiences and a weekly family-style chef-quality meal (pick-up in West Park or delivery within 10 miles). Mr. H and I have been enjoying the prepared meals (generously feeds about 4 and comes with reheating instructions) for months. Seriously, get on his email list for more info!

This holiday season, he's launching a series of virtual Holiday Cookie Classes that are fun for the whole family.

They've been filling up quickly since launching promotion, so he may add additional classes. 

I think this is a great activity to do with your kids or grandkids, a way to connect with family or friends that live out of town, a way to learn a new skill, or just an excuse to fill your kitchen and belly with some sweet treats. Check the classes out, and happy baking!

Chase the Flavor Virtual Cooking Events

The pandemic has forced many businesses and local talent to pivot how they work, and one very cool new series that I think you'll enjoy is Chase the Flavor.

These live cooking classes on Zoom are coordinated by Cleveland-area event planner, Amy Pappas, and feature some of Northeast Ohio's most well-known chefs. Chase the Flavor offers donation-based classes with area chefs, step-by-step instruction, and a chance to virtually socialize—all from the comfort of home. The chefs choose the meals and a charity they want to support (ticket prices go directly to that charity). Participants sign up for the class, and are given the recipe in advance. You'll buy the ingredients either independently or as a kit from the host chef and then you're ready to go for the event.

Cook alongside local chefs like Rocco Whalen, Brandon Chrostowski, Karen Small, and many more.

Follow Chase the Flavor on Facebook for updates and class information, and here is the next opportunity to participate: Thursday, Nov. 19: Doug Katz of Zhug and Andy Peay of Peay Vineyards