Summer in the Flats

When the sun comes out, Northeast Ohioans flock to the water. Between the region’s scenic beaches and boating on Lake Erie, there are plenty of options – including reveling and relaxing along the Cuyahoga River. Two hot spots down by the river are Chef Zack Bruell’s Alley Cat Oyster Bar, which is part of the Wolstein Group’s Flats East Bank development, and Collision Bend Brewing Company, which is headed by Julian Bruell. With a host of other options and various events planned for the coming months, the east bank of the Flats will be buzzing with summertime excitement.

Fashion: Jill Friedman

Hair and makeup: Elizabeth Cook

Photography: Casey Rearick Photo


Daniel Perez

Age: 27

City: Highland Heights

School: Studying finance and economics at John Carroll University in University Heights

Daniel wears a French blue textured sport coat by Gi Capri, a multicolored plaid shirt by Robert Talbott and light blue pants by Meyer, all from J3 Clothing Company in Moreland Hills; watch by Gucci is his own.


Tal Tamir

Age: 27

City: Solon

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Work: Real estate agent and acquisition analyst for IIP Management in Highland Heights; host of a podcast focused on business leaders called “Idea to Reality”

Tal wears a lightweight sport coat by Zanetti, a spring plaid shirt by Bugatchi and dynamic super-fit jeans by Alberto, all from Ticknors Men’s Clothier in Beachwood; brown shoes by Bull Boxer are his own.

 


Emily DeSantis

Age: 20

City: Chagrin Falls

School: Pre-med student majoring in neuroscience at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

Emily wears a halter top by Veronica Beard and embroidered jeans by Hudson, both from Kilgore Trout in Woodmere; shoes from GoJane are her own.

 


Danielle Amdur

Age: 22

City: Akron

Work: Registered nurse

Danielle wears a crochet-hem dress by Bailey and a long stone pendant by New Prospects, and she carries a rose gold woven clutch by Joseph D’Arezzo, all from Knuth’s in Pepper Pike; rings and earrings are her own. Beer is the Iron Wind Pilsner by Collision Bend Brewing Company.

 


Isabella Baden

Age: 22

City: Shaker Heights

Temple: Temple Israel Ner Tamid

Work: Registered nurse

Isabella wears a faux suede jacket by Rino & Pelle, sheer top by Lola & Sophie and back-zip stretch leggings by Tricotto, all from Audrey’s Sweet Threads in Woodmere; black shoes by Crown Vintage are her own.

 



Alley Cat Oyster Bar

Alley Cat is one of the latest concepts from Chef Zack Bruell, whose restaurant roster also includes popular locations like Parallax, L’Albatros Brasserie, Ristorante Chinato, Cowell & Hubbard and Dynomite.

Alley Cat is a stylish eatery found along the boardwalk at the heart of the Flats East Bank entertainment district. It features open spaces, expansive views of the Cuyahoga River and seasonal open-air dining. It’s a great place to take in summertime sunsets over the river and Lake Erie, and the restaurant also has been known to host the Cleveland Cavaliers for dinners in its second-floor private event space.

In addition to seafood offerings found at a traditional shore restaurant, Alley Cat features chicken, steak, chowders, soups and salads.


Collision Bend Brewing Company

When Collision Bend Brewing Company opened in early 2017 – lead by director of service Julian Bruell, brewmaster Luke Purcell and executive chef Andy Dombrowski – there were great expectations. Since then, the artisanal riverside brewery and full-service restaurant has become one of downtown Cleveland’s shining hot spots and won USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice award in the “Best Brew Pub” category. Expectations met.

Aside from its menu and on-tap offerings, Collision Bend’s biggest draw is likely its waterfront patio, which is perfect for summer and for watching large freighters navigate the Cuyahoga River’s formidable twists and turns. It also has a private event space, and boaters are welcome to dock alongside the patio.

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