This morning while dining at Kristina’s Family Restaurant it was a pleasure to make the acquaintance of the Reverend (left) of The Cleveland Christian Chapel. A spritely and talkative man, the Reverend welcomed the opportunity to be photographed as he spoke of the sanctity of life and population control. His buddy accented the conversation with the occasional nod of agreement and was a proud supporter of the American Red Cross.

If you enjoy making new acquaintances and moderately priced diner food, then be sure to visit Kristina’s on West 65th and Lorain. It has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and above average homemade biscuits and gravy.

SGS loves Cleveland breakfast haunts for their translucent atmospheres, architecture and neighborhood camaraderie. But even more important is the quality of grub. Many eateries around town dare to place Eggs Benedict on their breakfast menu, but few can actually measure up to our expectations.

After months of research dining at various greasy spoons and fancy pants establishments, the crew has finally declared a winner. There were some formidable challengers (see West Side Market Cafe) but the Eggs Benedict from Diner on Clifton is a cut above the rest. Some places claim they have Eggs Benedict, but you get Dave’s Supermarket Deli Ham on top of egg-beaters topped of with Miracle Whip. At one spot to remain anonymous, we actually received Eggs Benedict smothered in nacho cheese.

If you’re ready for Cleveland’s Eggs Benedict knockout punch, head on over to the Diner on Clifton located at 11637 Clifton Boulevard. Tell them Dale Caruso sent you.

Above is one of a series of 15 photographs taken today on Superior. A simple request for a cigarette rewarded us with many different posses and facial expressions. Hand hitched to the hip, left shoulder back, and a sassy tease radiating from her eye is just the kind of style that makes us proud. Surely you’ll agree Cleveland still has some flex left.

Nothing other than Shirley Murdock could accompany this photograph. Enjoy!

On the corner sits a store. The owner Hassan came to the US sometime in the 80s. We made his acquaintance because of his friendly nature and knack for languages. Self taught Spanish that is spoken with equal frequency to his native tongue, Hassan runs a tight ship. No shenanigans but always credit to honest people. His buddy who works the door knows no English and wears a cowboy hat. The two laugh and cut up in Spanish.

The rest of the family works the counter while Hassan takes naps (approximate one nap every 2 weeks). In the 4 years we shopped with Hassan he said that his day off would come the following year; next year never came.  The son, who branched out into the Kinsman cell phone trade, is a gifted salesman. White Tees and electric Jesus paintings the son of Hassan could sell anything. The wife is stern, speaks with a lisp, and on occasion gifts you a smile.

This is 85th and Tompkins “home” to man who works much harder than you.

Shopping on the corner of SE corner 55th and Cedar means only that you are a person who appreciates variety in life.

For example, on today’s visit to Biggie’s we encountered two tradesmen debating the merits of Trinidadian soca over that of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Children and adults shared pint sized bicycles as dining patrons spoke of Middle Eastern politics.

The mood was pleasant and the art was vicious. This is where the action is, no trip to Cleveland is complete without a visit to Biggie’s you won’t regret it.

4007 St. Clair Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44103

Most people seem to enjoy the Sunday experience. Both before and after the service they gather to discuss what happened in the past and what their plans are for the future. Deals are made with handshakes and condolences are given with hugs. Fashion is praised in the foreground as children tell tales behind the scenes. This is the Sunday experience that we see from across the way.

CLEVELANDSGS’s El Voyage Maximo will be featured!

Art show with 20 artists or collectives:
Tim Atherton, Leah Beeferman, Jerry Birchfield, Mark Brabant, Brittany Campbell, Cetusss, Skott Chandler, Cleveland SGS, Le Contremaître et sa contremaîtresse, Randy Crider, Peter Damm, Dana Depew, Greta Gratos, Matthew Hostelley, Harris Johnson, Joseph Makkos, Sam Meador, Joseph Minek, Michelle Marie Murphy, Lee Norris, Lauren Yeager.

It is that dreaded time of year. Standardized food service and grandes sueños días … time to school up.

When it comes to photographing scantily clad dolls, no one does it better than SGS Director of Communications, Griselda Diamonte. She has the discriminating eye of a gay man, and the wardrobe tastes of a drag queen. Today, she pays tribute to her one of her favorite playboy covers.

Special thanks to Dale Caruso for his materials handling expertise on this photo shoot.