🧡 It’s 216 Day, Baby

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: It’s 216 Day — which means it’s time to aggressively defend pierogies, argue about the Browns, and pretend we don’t check Zillow in Florida every February 🥟🏈🌴

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

“I love my city because it’s my home.” It’s something you hear often.

The question is: Why makes it home?

On Saturday, I went to the Lunar New Year to see one of Cleveland’s most colorful celebrations – Asian dancers in matching red costumes, as Lion dancers growled and drums pounded in AsiaTown.

Within minutes a few blocks away, I was at Kurentovanje Cleveland – where fuzzy, furry monsters paraded around to scare winter away, amid a nasty cold snap.

A few feet away, a pizza and mofongo spot was serving up the biggest slices I’d ever seen.

Cleveland is home because it brings so many people of different walks together.

Today is 216 Day in a city that’s a leopard print of culture – with each spot representing a different one.

It’s a city where people can feel at home enough to be authentic, original, colorful.

Other cities might talk about being authentic – but in the age of AI and virtual realities, it’s all too easy to be someone you aren’t.

Cleveland has had its troubles. It makes living here tough at times.

You could say that builds character. It also gives you the freedom to be yourself – because you aren’t burdened by expectations.

You don’t have to follow trends. You can create your own, by being yourself.

In Brazil, the fattest man in town is crowned king of carnival and scantily clad performers dance and prance in bacchanalian revelry.

In France, plump oxen parade through towns and villages.

In New Orleans, beads, masks and Hurricanes turn even the most sober into wobbly party monsters.

In Cleveland, we jump for joy that the temperature is above freezing.

So indulgent!

French for “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras caps off the carnival season by busting out a celebration of gluttony, revelry and debauchery with masks, beads, booze and chow-downs.

More than that, it marks turning the corner in winter. We’re hitting the 50s this week and post-6 p.m. sunsets.

More, more, more -- too much of a good thing is just enough for me.

Check out our Mardi Gras Guide below in the 216 Rundown.

There was a 30-minute wait, the room was full, and it was opening weekend. But none of these things could the kill the chill vibes of Sazani Oceana.

The just-opened collaboration between restaurateur Akin Affrica and Browns great Josh Cribbs is sleek and sophisticated.

Located in the old Edwins Too and Fire locations in Shaker Square, it’s upscale without being pretentious.

“It’s about quality seafood made daily with a laid-back vibe,” said Affrica, who went from table to table to check in on guests on Saturday. Cribbs was there, also – with his wife and media personality Maria.

“I’m a sports fan and didn’t know much about Josh’s football career,” adds Affrica. “But we both love seafood and the idea of creating a place with a cool vibe.”

Add in sophisticated presentation, crafty cocktail list and eclectic attitude, where pan-seared salmon and fish and chips sit side-by-side on the menu.

Just when you thought the weather would put a crimp in the Hedonist’s Way, here comes the thermometer and sunshine.

Seize the day and dig the debauchery… It’s the Cleveland Mardi Gras Guide.

Paczki Day: The celebrations of indulgence start early with pillowy, jam-filled Polish pastries in eateries and bakeries like Rudy’s Strudel, which opens at 5 a.m. Info.

Bourbon Street Barrel Room: This Tremont ode to The Big Easy start early and goes late with its celebration… Stellar elixirs, Creole and Cajun favorites – not to mention party vibes, a King Cake, hats, beads and tunes. 11:30 a.m. Info.

House of Creole: The Nola-style downtown spot starts early – 11 a.m. – and boasts beads, party favors, cocktails, gumbo and jambalaya. Info.

Fasching at the Hofbrauhaus: The Bavarian-style Mardi Gras – whose roots go back to the 13th century -- rolls out masquerade vibes and colorful get-ups, to go with a stein-holding contest, themed food and drinks, Krampus and live music by North Coast Prost.  6 p.m. Info.

Mardi Gras with Big Hoke and Da Land Brass Band at Mercury Lounge: A NOLA blow-out with Big Easy vibes, drinks and tunes. 6 p.m. Info.

Cats on Holiday at Forest City Brewery: The rootsy swamp-rock band is back at this Tremont fave and will be paired with jambalaya. 6 p.m. Info.

Sachsenheim Hall: A Fat Tuesday buffet of Southern cuisine, holiday staples and German Fashing flair in a hall built in the early-1900s by Saxons from Transylvania. Whew! 5 p.m. Info.

Soho: Annual Mardi Gras Party at Soho: The Ohio City serves themed food, drinks and music for its annual Mardi party. 5 p.m. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

Presidential history was yesterday’s news – until ‘Death by Lightning’ turned it into a pop phenomenon.

The unlikely success of Netflix’s show shed a big light on James A. Garfield and Ohio’s place as The Cradle of Presidents.

Seven were born in Ohio, earning it the nickname, "The Cradle of Presidents."

You could also call it ‘The Tomb of Presidents.’

Garfield and William McKinley were assassinated. William Henry Harrison and Warren G. Hardin died while in their first term.

Garfield and McKinley have area landmarks worth visiting.

The McKinley National Memorial in Canton is  a majestic pink granite mausoleum perched on a hill next to McKinley Presidential Library & Museum.

The Garfield Memorial in Lakeview Cemetery is a popular attraction, but don’t miss the James A. Garfield National Historic Site.

The Mentor home and property of the 20^th president explore his life as a Civil War leader and one of America’s most tragic presidents.

Central Market on East Fourth, 1946. One of Cleveland's oldest markets, it date back to 1867. By 1890, it was antiquated – and continued to deteriorate until 1949, when it was destroyed in a fire. It re-opened in 1950 with 171 stands. By 1981, it had fewer than 40 and was sold to the Greater Cleveland Domed Stadium Corp. in 1986. After the domed stadium plan failed to materialize, the building was razed and the land became part of the Gateway project.

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

41 °F 🌡️ 32 °F | 🌤️➡️☁️ (Increasing Clouds / Milder) | 10% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 12 mph (≈ 10 knots)

45 °F 🌡️ 29 °F | 🌧️➡️🌨️ (PM Rain to Snow / Windy) | 80% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 18 mph (≈ 16 knots)

32 °F 🌡️ 22 °F | 🌨️ (Lake Effect Snow / Colder) | 60% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 20 mph (≈ 17 knots)

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

Home vs. Nets, 07:00 PM February 19 (Thursday)

Away vs. Hornets, 07:00 PM February 20 (Friday)

Away vs. Thunder, 01:00 PM February 22 (Sunday)

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