🕵️ Cleveland Myths, Busted

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: The Cavs are betting it all on one man—and he’s 7 feet of quiet confidence 🏀⚡💪

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Donovan Mitchell has been the best player on his teams since coming into the NBA – yet none got past the second round.

The Cavs couldn’t do it last year, despite having the league’s second-best record. It was the third season in a row they lost four out of five in a frustrating exit.

Which is why the Cavs – who enter their Finals or Bust season Wednesday against the Knicks -- need Evan Mobley to be as dominant as Mitchell to succeed.

He’s 24, the age big men take a leap. Despite being crippled by the salary cap, the Cavs made under-the-radar moves to help him:

Of course, there’s a wildcard. Darius Garland and Max Strus start the season hurt and Ball and Nance have injury histories. Can the Cavs stay healthy?

Fall is in full force, where Polish Boys and pierogi rule in Cleveland and New Englanders go bonkers for clams.

Wait, not so fast.

Food & Wine has turned our culinary stereotypes upside-down. The magazine known for whimsical epicureanism has published an investigation that declares Cleveland America’s Clambake Capital.

“We’ve heard the rumor — that Cleveland’s appetite for clams outpaces anywhere else when the weather cools. Turns out, it’s true,” says Food & Drink, which hit eateries like Salty Mary’s, Alley Cat and All Saints.

But first, a beeline to Kate’s Fish at the West Side Market.

“We essentially keep the clammers in business in the fall,” says owner Tom McIntyre. “They send more clams to Cleveland than anywhere else in the world.”

That’s not to say that we’ve abandoned our hearty sensibilities. The CLE version of the New England staple often includes a side of chicken or kielbasa.

Dark clouds are forming. Is a debt storm coming?

Shares of Cleveland banks Keycorp and Huntington dropped as much as 8.1% and 7.8%, respectively, before recovering some losses on Friday, as credit woes hit U.S. regional banks.

It stems from commercial real estate loans – which comprise 44% of regional bank portfolios – and office loan delinquencies that have hit 10.4%, approaching 2008 crisis levels.

Driving the issue are the lingering effects of COVID-19, hybrid work models, high interest rates and AI-induced tech layoffs.

Cleveland office vacancy rates have climbed to 23.1%, slightly above the national average but lower than San Francisco (29.3%), Austin (27.8%) and Seattle (26.4%).

But there’s a ray of light in Cleveland.

Its industrial base makes it less impacted by AI layoffs. Vacancy rates in industrial spaces here (3.7%) are far lower than the national average (7%).

Also, Cleveland is a leader in office-to-residential conversions for three straight years – with 8.4% of downtown office space planned or under construction for conversion.

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Perfect for your trick-or-treat bag or Christmas stocking – if you have one that’s big enough for a dog or a cat. Through Friday, the Cleveland APL will host Wags and Whiskers Week. The reduced adoption event means you can get adult dogs and cats for $20 and kittens for $75. Info.

Acid Mother’s Temple: The Japanese psychedelic wizards have released more than 100 albums since 1995 and put on a mesmerizing show. 7 tonight at Beachland Ballroom. Info.

Night-BEER Before Christmas: Fat Heads Brewery releases its Holly Jolly Christmas Ale and hosts a party full off Halloween spookiness and Yuletide cheer. 6:30 tonight. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

West Side cocktail hounds looking for a sip of sophistication were dealt a blow when Clifton Martini Bar closed its doors in 2021 after 12 years in business.

They rejoiced when La Ville Lumiere opened in the former space a year ago.

The French brasserie takes its moniker from Paris’ nickname, aka “The City of Life.” It brings Joie de vivre to the Edgewater neighborhood – from the charming milieu to the wine list, a French menu served late into the evening and the reverse Happy Hour.

In a few weeks, something bigger is coming in the space next to it: a French market.

“Le Marché Clifton will be a place where hand-picked wines meet gourmet cheeses and cured meats, where crepes are made to order, and the aroma of rich French hot chocolate and fresh coffee fills the air,” says LVL chef-owner Kevin O’Connell..

Short Vincent, 1964. For much of the 20th century, the 485-foot strip of bars, restaurants and clubs running between East Sixth and East Ninth streets was the epicenter of city nightlife.

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55 🌡️ 40 | ☀️ | 10% | 💨 W 10 mph (9 knots)

50 🌡️ 38 | ☁️ | 20% | 💨 N 12 mph (10 knots)

48 🌡️ 35 | 🌧️ | 70% | 💨 NE 15 mph (13 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. Knicks, 7 PM October 22 (Wednesday)

Away vs. New England Patriots, 1 PM October 26 (Sunday)

Home vs. Americans, 7 AM October 26 (Sunday)

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