Where Are the Rats?
The youths are taking over the streets and the feds are raiding Frank Sinito's house.
Hey, you’re back! Or maybe you’re new here—in which case, hi, welcome to Idle Talk, Busy Mind. This month, I was MIA for a bit—my so-called “recluse era,” which is my way of saying I needed a break from people, places, and probably myself. It worked. I’ve returned with a Cleveland round-up that mixes what’s in the news, what’s on my mind, and everything in between. You’ll find a bit of everything here: street takeovers, mayoral renovations, and a million-dollar mafia scandal (sort of). Here’s what’s been going down:
LOCALS ONLY
Street Takeovers
Every time I leave my friend Shellby’s house past midnight, I drive past a car meet in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood. One night, I hit Rose’s Discount Store just as the cops decided to bust it up. Terrifying—not because of the drivers (teens, mostly) but because I was pretty sure the cops were going to assume I was part of it. Truth: I’m more afraid of cops than teen drivers.
Cleveland City Council moved to ban these meets, but it’s wild because they’re hardly “underground”—this is all happening in massive parking lots and main streets, out in the open. Also, if I’m honest? Watching the meet happen, I felt like I was in Fast & Furious. (And yes, I’m Suki.)
$300k Makeover for the Mayor’s Office
The Mayor’s office got a $300k makeover to fix water damage from a burst pipe—and while they were at it, they went for a full revamp:
Wine red walls and beige carpet… Signal called it “fresher and brighter,” which, sure, compared to what it was…I guess so? Cavs love aside, I have thoughts:
Blue drapes? With wine red walls? Let’s get that sorted.
Everything about this feels Union Club–adjacent, and that place genuinely terrifies me. Take from that what you will.
This portrait of Mayor Frank Jackson is crazy work. Please, let’s reconsider hanging that back up.
City of Cleveland—hire me as your creative director. You have my email. Thanks!
Kiln: The Doug Katz Effect
Chef Douglas Katz’s new restaurant, Kiln, opened in Shaker Heights on October 22nd. According to the website, Kiln’s kitchen “utilizes fresh ingredients to create simple, elevated classics,” much like “the pottery kiln, which turns raw materials into functional art.” Inspired.
Farm-to-table isn’t new, but Kiln’s all-local approach—from the food to the art on the walls down to Katz’s hand-thrown vases on every table—is refreshingly tight-knit. We love a closed-loop ecosystem here at Idle Talk, Busy Mind, so naturally, we’re fans of Doug Katz. His other concepts—Zhug in Cleveland Heights and Amba in Ohio City—are big hits on both the east and west sides. Maybe Katz will finally be the one to bridge the east/west divide in Cleveland. One can only hope.
Confession: I haven’t tried Zhug or Amba yet (don’t hate me - I’m busy). But I do enjoy stalking Katz’s IG for a bit of FOMO from time to time.
The Browns Are Moving to Brookpark
Look, I’m not going to pretend I care about football. I don’t. And I’ve tried! So, instead of debating the Browns leaving their stadium, here’s what I’m pitching for the old stadium space:
A pier. Every cool city has one. We need a Ferris wheel. Festival games, photo booths, mime shows—let’s make it happen.
That’s it from me. But here’s what my friends suggest:
“A hub for community services, like shelter, nutrition, and rehab programs,” says Sean S., who is obviously way more diplomatic than me.
“A concert venue, sports complex, a large-scale homeless shelter or community marketplace for pop-ups/events,” says Spencer G., who is also way more diplomatic than me.
“No idea other than a stadium,” says Shellby K. Probably would’ve been a good spot for the Cleveland Women’s Soccer League stadium.
“A hotel and conference center or a mixed-use development with shops, galleries, restaurants, parks, and housing,” says Claudia O.
Edit: Cleveland is now trying to sue the Haslams to keep the Browns here. And while I really want a pier, I guess we’ll see what happens.
Sinito Family Drama
Frank Sinito’s home was recently raided by the FBI, which I find hilarious.
One month ago, I was deep into researching who owns most of Cleveland, and surprise, the Sinitos own a good chunk. They’re also infamous in Cleveland mob history—look up Thomas “The Chinaman” Sinito (racist undertones for sure). Apparently, Frank Sinito and Millennia Companies mishandled funds ($4.9 million) on some properties. Here’s what his attorneys have to say:
“It’s important to remember that an investigation is just that. There have been no arrests and no charges filed. Millennia Housing Development and Mr. Sinito are cooperating with the investigation and have no further comment at this time.”
Suspicious? A bit. If you look up the housing sector of Millennia on Google, they have a one-star rating and lots of complaints from workers and tenants. Not good.
Other fun fact: Millennia owns many restaurants in the area, including Marble Room and Il Venetian, which have hosted celebs like Drake and Bruno Mars.
Rock Hall Induction Ceremony
Ummmm, no one told me Zendaya was going to be here.
Cher and Dua Lipa did a duet to “Believe,” which my mom loved.
I really have nothing else to say other than the fact that I recently did media training with the Rock Hall team, and the employee bathroom had period products on fancy trays. Now that is rock and roll.
It’s a bad year to be a metropolitan city mayor.
Kwan You Dig It
Steven Kwan is a Cleveland Guardian and Cordelia’s biggest fan. “The head chef, Vinnie, is one of the best chefs in the area. Every time we go there, it's fire,” Kwan said in a recent interview with Gabrielle Kreuz.
I went once, left with great leftovers…and a $100 parking ticket. Pro tip: park legally. But yes, worth it.
Riverfront Redesign: Here’s What I’m Noticing
Recently, an old man on the RTA Red Line gave me an unsolicited oral history of downtown Cleveland during his commute to jury duty. I blocked out most of his ramblings, but I did catch this: “And this right here is the old Irish town bend. They’ve been developing this for years.”
Irish Town Bend has been “in development” forever, but Bedrock, the group developing the riverfront, recently revealed a conceptual rendering of the redesign, and it’s... something. Key observations:
A public stage could be cool, but the dancers in the rendering? Terrifying.
A splash pad for kids? Great for families, not great for me (I’m not a fan of screaming children).
I spotted outdoor baked goods counters. Cakes & fruits, lined up, outside. What does this mean for me? Unclear.
Tower City as a gateway? This is good. We’ve been sleeping on Tower City’s potential. Seeing as there will hopefully be more foot traffic, it’s likely more businesses will rent the shop spaces within the building, which is great!
SEEN & NOTED
Paid Street Performers: Cleveland now has official street performers that they pay. I always pass by this one lady who plays Maroon 5 a lot. My friend Malcolm wrote a story about this two summers ago. I will get his honest take and get back to you guys in the next newsletter.
Barbershop strippers: So, I went looking for the “It’s a Chicken Salad” lady on Instagram (long story), and I stumbled on her PR manager’s latest venture: barbershop strippers. There’s a video. If you find the video, it’s lowkey graphic, but the man throwing ones while getting a cut did make me lol.
Tower City: Where Are the Rats? Not saying I want to see rats at Tower City, but I need to know where they are hiding.
Euclid Grand Apts: Did anyone else see the sexy bathroom ads lining Euclid Ave? Well, the ads are gone, but the building is leasing. Their website boasts an impressive WFH business center, a gaming lounge, a fitness center, and a wellness center. I’m intrigued. What exactly is a wellness center? How much of your rent goes toward this? All questions I would like answered at some point.
I like the new Tim Misny ad at the airport - “Mount Mismore”
Yards Project Art Show: Be/Longing - I checked out the Be/Longing show at Worthington Yards and loved the work of Jules Briggs and Anna Tararova. Massive space, gorgeous courtyard, and a DIY bar—big potential.
CASS’S CURATION CORNER
The Gap rebrand has been fascinating to watch. The Business of Fashion recently described the brand’s newest creative director, Zac Posen, as the “comeback kid” - I couldn’t agree more. My recent purchases:
Speaking of CBK, this YouTube video documenting her wedding is my new hyper-fixation.
Kanye’s new preview of “Beauty and the Beast” has made me cry more than once.
I just bought a pair of Rothy’s and I am incredibly excited to wear them this fall/winter.
UP NEXT
If you want to view live (& alive) art:
“I am Resetting” a live solo exhibition by Lacy Talley (Nov. 29)
The Band at CPL by FriendsWithYou (opened Oct. 26)
If you want to laugh at your neighbors’ drama: Hot Goss: the Improvised Musical (Nov. 16 & Dec. 21)
If you’re craving Halloween fun and also want to feel like you’re in Gossip Girl (2021): CMA Mix (Nov. 1)
If you want to acquire a skill that you can show off to friends & fam at upcoming holiday parties: Sip + Learn: Spirits Craft Cocktail Class (Nov. 21)
And, of course, if you’re in the mood to surprise your tastebuds:
Kiln in Shaker Heights (I promise I will also try Amba and Zhug soon).
After moving to a bigger space in the Edgewater-Cudell neighborhood from Tremont, Dahlia Coffee officially opened their doors this past week. I have yet to try, but I dream of this Mexican Mocha.
Also, Steak in Tremont recently opened. Brought to you by the same peeps who brought us Lionheart Coffee and Geraci’s Slice Shop. Allegedly you are given a bowl of popcorn when you walk in. I don’t really get the point of this, but if you try, let me know if it’s true.
OVERHEARD IRL
On the RTA Red-Line: “They want to leave litter on the train, so I’m gonna leave glitter on the train. Know what I’m saying?”
Genius. This needs to be the RTA’s next slogan.
And that’s it!
Not a lot of pictures this month, so here’s my nephew, Dolce. He’s my friend Isabelle’s dog, and I’m fully leaning into my new role as an “Aunt”. Here’s a glimpse into his first night out:
Thanks for reading the first official issue of Idle Talk, Busy Mind. Expect these to drop bi-weekly, with an occasional fun post, deep dive, or interview.
One last note: Go vote! The RTA will be free on Election Day, so no excuses. Here is a link to help you find your local polling station.
As always, if you have tips or stories I should cover, slide into my DMs on IG or email me at talkidletome@gmail.com.
See you soon,
Cassidy 🫶🏽