February 16, 2016

O-H-I-O

I enjoy the hominess of “The Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor” with my friend, and former Ohio neighbor, Michelle.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Ohio holds a special place in my heart.  Ohio is where my hubby was born (Cleveland) and raised (Geauga County).   Ohio is where our two oldest children graduated from high school (Edgewood High), and also where our oldest, graduated from The Ohio State University. Ohio, Ashtabula County to be exact, is where I enjoyed living with my young family for seven years, near the shores of Lake Erie.

I quickly snapped this photo as my four kiddies walked on the beach of Lake Erie                   in 2001(?).

On the Road, Again

Business trip bound, it was a pleasant six-hour drive from our home in Maryland to our hotel, The Lodge at Geneva, in Ohio. Along the way we enjoyed a short side trip, visiting with Dale’s brother and family.  Not only did we catch up on “the latest”,  but we were treated to some yummy snacks.  To see the recipe for one of those hunger-busting snacks, click here.

We enjoyed a brief visit with Dale’s brother and family in Ohio.

The Lodge at Geneva

The Lodge at Geneva is a lovely place to stay. The rooms, and the dining area, affording constantly changing and scenic views of Lake Erie, along with a cozy atmosphere.

The scenery changed, it seemed, each time that I gazed out of my window.

The dining room welcomes diners with a cozy fire, yummy food (One my favorite foods was the breakfast’s Pinched Red Skin Potatoes!  See recipe below.) with expansive views of Lake Erie.
I  was fascinated by the large squirrels who frequent the property.

I “found” this souvenir in The Lodge of Geneva gift shop.  Made with a pretty color of Lake Erie sea glass,  in the shape of a crab (I live in Maryland, in the land of all things crab.), and locally made, I just had to get it! Right?

Friends, Family, and Food

One of the best parts of returning to NE Ohio is visiting and catching-up with friends and family. It was such a delight. Good food made it even better! :o)

Michelle and I visited and dined at The Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor .
(See the photo at the very top of this post.)
Yes, this restaurant started its life as a genuine covered bridge!
(To read more about its history, click here.)
I love The Covered Bridge’s Roast Beef Subs, smothered with provolone cheese!
(I am a big fan of their Taco Pizza, too.)
The exterior photo of the restaurant was taken in October 2014.

It was fun seeing  Debbie, another neighbor from the “old hood”,
when I popped by to say “hello”.

The Harbor/Bridge Street area of Ashtabula is always a treat.  Thanks to Michelle’s recommendation, we checked out Bascule Bridge Grille .  It was wonderful!
The Bascule Burger, with blue cheese, was delicious, and the luscious
Chocolate Pot De Creme, that Dale and I shared for dessert,
was just made for my needed chocolate fix! :o)

Click, here, for coupons to the street’s merchants.

One evening, Dale and I decided to visit an “old” favorite restaurant, Ferrante’s.
The Langostino’s Ala Manicotti was truly incredible, and a shared Chocolate Torte for dessert was wonderfully chocolate, through and through.

Laura, Dale’s cousin, joins me in the Lodge at Geneva dining room for lunch.
We shared a delicious Pretzel Crusted Chicken sandwich and lots of fun chit-chat.
Laura shares my love of unsweetened iced tea, too!  :o)

Upon arriving at The Lodge in Geneva
, Laura surprised me with this cute Valentine’s scarf.
I love it!  Here I am at home, showing it off.

Time flew by quickly, and it was time to point the car back towards home.
Goodbye, for now, Ohio.

Recipe

 The Lodge at Geneva’s
Breakfast Pinched Redskin Potatoes. 

The Lodge’s restaurant manager kindly gave me this recipe!
Thank you, Barb!
Barb says, “Guests LOVE our potatoes!!”

Ingredients
Red Potatoes
Cooking Oil
Lowry’s Montreal Seasoning

Directions

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.

Take little red potatoes, baked at 350 for about 35 minutes.

Let cool, then crumble/smash potatoes and toss into the fryer with hot cooking oil until browned.

Season with Lowry’s Montreal seasoning.

Enjoy!

Thanks for reading!
Annette

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One of my favorite treats from NE Ohio is the apple cider doughnut from                        Brant’s Apple Orchard.                                                                                                                          Paired with Brant’s apple cider slushie, it’s the dynamic duo!
Unfortunately, these little gems are only available during apple season,
August-November.                                                                                                                                    This photo was taken in August 2011.

To see photos from my August 2014 trip to Ohio, click here.