Two weeks ago Cleveland Scene announced the reasons that 2011 was the Year That We Did Not Suck (we being Cleveland).

I have to agree – it was a fantastic year for our fantastic city. Some of the highlights:

West 25th was revitalized. I absolutely love West 25th area and Ohio City, as I know a lot of you from Cleveland do. The bar and restaurant scene, as well as the pop-up shots had me visiting a ton in 2011 and I’m looking forward to more visits in 2012.

Downtown got delicious – ain’t that the truth? Working downtown this year, I can testify to this one. I’ve loved going to the downtown restaurants and am anxiously awaiting for Zach Bruell’s latest (seriously – counting down!). And after New Year’s Eve Weekend, Viaduct Lounge is one of my new favorites.

The Heart of the City is Beating. As someone who lives in the city and is very close to downtown, it makes me so happy when I see people out and about downtown. There’s so much to do in the city, besides just attending sporting events (though that’s one of the big things that I do) and there’s plenty of places to go. I can’t wait to see Cleveland continue to grow this year.

Food Trucks – who knew right? Cleveland blew other cities out of the water and established the Food Truck scene in the city. Hodge Podge and Dim and Den Some are my two favorites but there’s so many others the city has to offer. And thanks to Hodge Podge being featured on The Great Food Truck Race on Food Network, Cleveland gained some serious exposure. Awesome job, Chef Hodgson and team!

(image from Food Network)

I can’t wait to see what 2012 has to offer our fabulous city!