Broad Spotlight: Jen Rome from Why CLE?

Sometimes you follow someone on social media and you just know that you could be friends with them. That’s exactly how Broad felt about Jen Rome from Why CLE? She had been following her blog for years, (Why CLE? just celebrated it’s 8 year blogiversary!) and just loved how real and down to earth Jen seemed. She is always doing the coolest things in CLE and is just so passionate about the city, it’s contagious!

Why CLE? is Jen’s journey to why you should live, work and play in this amazing city. She’s always on the hunt for the fun activities, the hottest restaurants, the best stores and whatever the city has to offer. She’s also a wife and mom so she knows the best stuff for families too. She really is the whole package! Lately, she’s had a pretty tough health scare and has been open and honest on social media about it and powered through it like a champ. Did we mention she’s also badass?

We’ve gotten to know her this last year, and she’s really become a close friend.  We’ve drank many cocktails, ate tasty meals and even yoga-ed. Her son Jeffrey has bonded with Broad over their shared love of cats and her husband Matthew is an even better blog husband than Beard (don’t tell Beard!) Of course you should check out her blog and find out Why CLE? but for now check out her answers to all of our questions!

What’s your favorite CLE food item?
It’s a toss up between the beef cheek pierogi at Lola and the chicken wing confit at The Greenhouse Tavern. Luckily, since they’re next door to each other, I can have both in one night! But truly, I think what’s great about both of these is that they’re haute comfort food, which is something Cleveland really excels at and is such a good representation of who we are.

What’s your favorite CLE bar?
Am I to shi-shi, foo-foo if I say Velvet Tango Room? I just love the atmosphere, the drinks…everything about it makes me feel special.

What is your favorite CLE activity to do together with the family?
It’s a tie between going to the museums and the Children’s Theater Series at Playhouse Square. Both expose all of us to Cleveland’s amazing culture.

What is your favorite restaurant to take the family to?
Melt or Winking Lizard are big faves for us. We can all get something we like to eat, plus there are good beers for mom and dad, too!

What’s your favorite at-home drink?
Wine. I’m not good at mixing cocktails. Wine is my go-to.

What’s your favorite drink to order when you’re out?
I’ve recently developed a love for cocktails with bourbon. I’m slowly becoming an Old Fashioned aficionado.

What’s your favorite CLE restaurant when you’re on a budget?
When you’re feeling fancy? Budget – Swenson’s. Their burgers and shakes are legit. And you will be totally stuffed for under $10!  Fancy – Chez Francois. You need  solid 3 hours or more. But the service and the food are out of this world. And the wine list…oh my! I recommend getting a B&B and spending the night out there.

You technically live a little outside of CLE. What cool places do you recommend people visit outside of CLE?
I do! So, we live close to downtown Willoughby and I will say it’s a great area. Wonderful restaurants and lots of fun festivals in the summer. I also love the wineries out in Geneva. It’s one of my favorite places to take people.

What’s your favorite travel destination?
Anywhere warm and sunny, especially when it’s not warm and sunny here. I’ve been to Mexico probably 7 times, almost always in February or March.

Your friend is in Cleveland for one day, what should they do?
West Side Market, a walk through downtown, hit the museums at lunch, and end with dinner in Tremont.

Thanks so much Jen for taking the time to talk to us! Be sure to check out her blog, Why CLE?