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.
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- Isabella wears a one-shoulder denim jumpsuit by Jonathan Simkhai and a bead-and-metal bracelet by Amy Kekst, both from Kilgore Trout; wedges by Aerosoles are her own. Tal wears a short-sleeve print sport shirt by Danini and DynamicSuperfit jeans by Alberto, both from Ticknors Men’s Clothier. Emily wears a one-shoulder abstract floral dress by Komarov from Audrey’s in Woodmere; nude heels by Olivia Ferguson are her own.
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- Bree circle bag in gray by Rebecca Minkoff from Knuth’s.
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- Danielle wears a printed midi jumpsuit by Jack by B.B. Dokata and bracelet by John Michael Richardson, both from Knuth’s. Daniel wears a floral-print shirt by Stenstrom and gray jogger pants by Eleventy from J3 Clothing Company.
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.
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- Emily wears a white peplum top by Veronica Beard, a necklace by Gas Bijoux and high-rise denim leggings by L’agence, all from Kilgore Trout; shoes by Halogen are her own. Tal wears a navy short-sleeve shirt by Bugatchi and slim casual-fit pants by Alberto, both from Ticknors Men’s Clothier. Isabella wears a silver paillette knit top by Conrad C Collection and “Bryanna” white fringe-flare jeans by Parker Smith, both from Audrey’s Sweet Threads; silver shoes by Steve Madden are her own.
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- Emily wears a white peplum top by Veronica Beard and a necklace by Gas Bijoux.
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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- Danielle wears a striped short-sleeve cowl neck dress by Jack by B.B. Dakota from Knuth’s and a rubber and metal bracelet by Escape from Paris from Audrey’s Sweet Threads; shoes by Sperry are her own. Daniel wears a sport coat over a coral-colored pique polo shirt by Umberto Vallati and white pants by Teleria Zed, all from J3 Clothing Company; boat shoes by Sperry are his own.
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- From left, Isabella wears a “sunrise” plaid shirt by Free People and a white waffle bralette by Niki Biki, both from Knuth’s, and “Bryanna” cropped flare jeans by Parker Smith from Audrey’s Sweet Threads. Danielle wears a frayed floral off-the-shoulder top by Chaser and white jeans by AG Jeans, both from Knuth’s; sandals by Madden Girl are her own. Emily wears a black side ruched dress by Veronica Beard from Kilgore Trout and a black leather and silver bracelet by Trades by Haim from Knuth’s.
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- Resin, leather and pewter earrings by artist/designer Anne Marie Chagnon from Audrey’s Sweet Threads.
