🍽️ Big Chefs, Bigger Plans

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: Hip-hop never left E. 99th — but this weekend, the founders come back to prove it 💽 🎶

Don’t keep us a secret: Share the email with friends (copy URL here)​

John Petkovic & Jude Perez

Two celebrated restaurateurs opened eateries – within days, next to one another.

It rarely happens anywhere, let alone Brecksville. But there’s something bigger afoot in the south suburb.

The first glimpse of it comes via Dante Boccuzzi’s new sushi restaurant, Masu, and Matt Mytro’s second location of Flour.

Both were buzzing on their opening nights, even as they served food and slung drinks amid a construction site.

But Valor Acres is coming.

The ambitious 90-acre development is a partnership between DiGeronimo Companies and the City of Brecksville that will transform the former Veterans Affairs campus into a hub for living, working, and leisure.

“There’s a lot of curiosity about the project and now it’s starting to take shape,” says Boccuzzi, who also owns Dante, Inferno and Goma. “DiGeronimo also did Pinecrest and this is much bigger.”

Valor Acres will include:

It will also host the new Sherwin-Williams R&D campus and Toledo-based Hylant Insurance (both late-2025), a flexible workspace and medical building (said to be the Cleveland Clinic).

The target for completion of the project is 2027.

“They’re locking in tenants – a hotel, grocery store, coffee company,” says Boccuzzi, who will open a 300-capacity event center. “You’ll have a lot more people living and working than most of these projects – and you’re right off the I-77 exit. It’ll do well.”

Last season produced one of sports’ craziest comebacks. It started when the Buckeyes had one of the worst losses in team history against Michigan.

Fans wanted the coach Ryan Day run out of Columbus.

It’s been straight up since them – en route to a National Championship and then an undefeated 2025.

Now back to Michigan for a rematch between the archrivals – noon Saturday.

The No. 1 ranked Bucks are favored by 10 points.

The Ohio State Alumni Club of Greater Cleveland will host the official watch party at Buffalo Wild Wings in Strongsville at noon. It features former Bucks stars: Jim Laughlin and Bob Stock.

There are several places hosting soirees:

Saucy Brew Ohio City opens at 9 a.m. and serves with penny brews.

PJ McIntyre’s is West Park is hosting a pig roast to go with its watch party. 11 a.m.

Hail Mary’s in Westlake offers all-you-can-eat pizza and two beers for $25. Noon.

Brew Garden in Strongsville is always packed for OSU watch parties. 11 a.m.

It was the corner that spawned hip-hop pioneers -- East 99th Street and St. Clair Avenue.

Decades later, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony hasn’t forgotten its roots.

The Cleveland hip-hop legends who struck gold by mixing singing with raps, harmonies and a fast cadence are here often and have raised money to help the neighborhood.

And they’re coming back.

At 8 p.m. Saturday, Bone Thugs will return to the Agora to perform their first concert in 15 years with all five original members. Info.

Earlier this month, Bizzy Bone hinted that it would be a one-and-done event: “1 More Show With Bone Thugs N Harmony. 1 last show with all original members… After that No More!!!”

Now, he’s teasing a full-on tour in 2026 and tagged Live Nation in a social media post.

WinterLand: The annual celebration returns at noon Saturday – with a tree lighting in Public Square, a light show, a pop-up marketplace, a bazaar in the 5th Street Arcades and events in Terminal Tower and Cleveland Public Library. And, of course, the opening of the Cleveland Foundation Ice Skating Rink. Info.

Mary Santora: She was the class clown at Berea High School and has graduated to become one of comedy’s rising stars – and her latest album, Hillbilly Boujee, topped iTunes and Amazon. Santora hits Hilarities for four shows: 6:30 and 9:15 tonight and tomorrow night Info.

Christmas Carol: Opened in 1988, the staging of the Charles Dickens classic novel has become one of the city’s biggest holiday traditions. It hits the Mimi Ohio Theatre tonight and runs through Dec. 21. Info.

Jason Burchaski: His vinyl fetish has led him to organize record clubs and flea markets. At 11 a.m. Sunday, he’ll hit Beachland Ballroom Brunch to spin everything from synth-pop to hair-metal, new wave and arena rock. He’s always entertaining. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

The house always wins in the casino business, but this one’s a safe bet. The Jack Cleveland Casino has rolled out a holiday play called Sleigh.

The lounge glows with chandeliers, light and ornaments; sparkling silver Christmas trees; an animatronic Santa and Rudolph display; immaculate gift boxes and holiday nostalgia.

Check out the themed drink list -- an assortment of sweet, creamy and chocolate cocktails like Candy Cane Christmas. It’s sweet enough to make ‘Elf’ go bonkers. (Must admit: Not my style, except for the vodka.)

An undated photo of shoppers in Higbee’s during Christmas season. Higbee’s was the pre-eminent destination during the holidays – because of its display, but also the iconic Silver Grille. Higbee’s ceased operations in 1992, but its spirit lives on because it was a filming location in “A Christmas Story.” The space lives on as The Jack Casino.

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @scoopcle on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

36 °F 🌡️ 30 °F | 🌨️ (snow / squalls) | ~ 50% | 💨 W ≈ 15–20 mph (≈ 13–17 knots)

38 °F 🌡️ 32 °F | ☁️ (overcast, chance of late snow) | ~ 40% | 💨 S ≈ 5–10 mph (≈ 4–9 knots)

39 °F 🌡️ 31 °F | 🌧️ / 🌨️ (rain changing to snow possible) | ~ 70% | 💨 W ≈ 20–25 mph (≈ 17–22 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Away vs. Hawks, 7:30 PM November 23 (Friday)

Thanks for reading The 216 Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who knows where to find the best Cleveland pizza after midnight.

Watch this quick video (start at 0:50) to see how easy it is to add our app to your home screen!