🌮 After 49 Years, Cleveland Taco Staple Closing 💔

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop. We found a pizza that might just replace your go-to pepperoni. It involves tikka masala 🇮🇳🍕

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The proposition raised eyebrows and perplexed faces at first. Then came curiosity and a question:

Wait, an Indian restaurant in the former home of the legendary Antonio’s location serving… Indian pizza?

Well, the verdict is in and with it, perhaps, future of our culinary scene: They’re going nuts over Indian pizza at Masala Monsoon in Parma.

I tried to snag one for a week, but the recently opened eatery was always sold out of them. So, I called early Sunday. Three of the five on the menu were already gone; I scored the Paneer Tikka Pizza.

“Our Indian pizzas and pastas are both selling out like crazy,” said my server, Nick. “At first, it took a day, then half a day – now, we they’re selling out in the morning.”

It isn’t just an homage to Antonio’s.

Local takes on Italian staples are the rage in India. It’s the second-biggest global market for Domino’s, which has adapted its menu to include Indian-inspired flavors.

In turn, Indian pizza has ridden the fusion trend into the U.S. and is an adventure worth taking. MM’s Paneer Tikka fuses a traditional crust with sauteed onions, green peppers, marinated paneer, mint chutney and spices.

A zesty cross-cultural excursion worth exploring. But call or go early.

Brook Park might be getting the Browns, but it’s losing a landmark – not to mention a whole lot of personality and heart.

Cap’n Taco is closing its doors on August 13.

For 49 years, the iconic spot beloved for its classic décor and authentic take on Mexican was a destination for food adventurers and vintage hounds.

And, yes, the cheap eats. Tacos were 29 cents when Raymond Brown opened the doors in 1976. Kathy Dadisman bought the Cap’n and price still cheap: $1.59-$1.99 for taco.

“Since 1976, we've had the honor of serving this community -- hosting family dinners, first dates, anniversaries, graduations, and so many more beautiful moments,” said owner Kathy Dadisman, in a statement to patrons. “We're not just saying goodbye -- we're saying thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, we'll miss you!”

The closure of Cap’n Taco is due to its lease not being renewed. The 1,242-square-foot property is listed for sale, via Hanna, for $325,000.

Tech utopia or generative menace? We’ve reported on the pros and cons of AI – jobs, intellectual property, etc. Now comes news that AI could make you sweat even more in summer’s heatwave.

The nation’s biggest power grid -- PJM Interconnect, which serves 13 states including Ohio – has raised electricity prices by 22%, due to a surge in power-hungry AI data centers.

Outdated grids, whose infrastructures date back a century, are maxed out and hitting critical levels amid peak air conditioning usage and the exponential rise of AI – not to mention electricity-suckers like EVs and Bitcoin.

In a new report, Goldman Sachs envisions rolling blackouts and price spikes in the next few years – and recommends getting back-up generators.

Solutions include doubling grid capacity and making Big Tech AI generate its own power, as Meta has announced. But right now, the answer is one consumers know all too well: Skyrocketing electricity bills, by 10-15%.

Cleveland’s WNBA won’t its first game for another three years. But that isn’t stopping fans from putting money down for tickets. Dan Gilbert’s franchise announced that it has more than 5,000 deposits for 2028 season memberships. Half came in the first hour. By comparison, the Cleveland Rockers averaged 7,400 fans a game in 2003, their final season in the WNBA. The team folded after a six-year run due to sagging attendance.

Kesha and the Scissor Sisters will roll out the sexual innuendo, cheeky irreverence and pop flirtations when they bring their ‘Tits Out Tour’ to Blossom Music Center – 7 tonight. More info.

💰 Price: $399,900

📏 Size: 1,642 sq. ft.

🏡 Built: 1921

🛏 4 Beds | 🛁 2 Baths (1 full, 1 half)

👉 View Listing on Zillow

It’s a home run trot away from Progressive Field. But Re: Bar has always felt tucked far away from the main drag. It brought together snazzy cocktails, chill vibes, eclectic music and solid food.

After a nine-year run, Re:Bar will close on Saturday.

“I wanted to create something more than just a bar,” said owner Rachel Ulloa, in a farewell note. “I wanted a space that felt like home… where people from all walks of life could come together over great food, cocktails, music and art. A place that celebrated local talent, amplified voices and gave creatives a stage to shine.”

When she took over in 2019, Ulloa brought verve and energy to a place that was often empty. She plans to keep it going to the end.

“We’re going to go out the same way we’ve always shown up…with love, music and community,” she says.

Demolition Derby, Cuyahoga County Fair, 1965. The mashing of metal has been a main attraction at the fair for decades.

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Home vs. Rockies, 6:40pm Monday

Home vs. Rockies, 6:40pm Tuesday

Home vs. Rockies, 6:40pm Wednesday

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