Is this the best guidebook to Cleveland, ever? If there's a better one, we're not aware of it. And it's no wonder when one of the region's top food and culinary writers spends a year researching and writing it.

We recommend buying two, so you can keep one in your car, and have a spare to give away. The book is that good, that well written (by local maven Douglas Trattner), and that essential to daily life in Cleveland. Even if you've lived here your entire life, you will learn much in just a few minutes of browsing the Moon guide.

Known locally for his work as the Scene (and the former Free Times) food critic, as well as his extensive freelance work and regular radio appearances, Trattner, who also shot many of the featured photos, is more than up for the job.

A trained "recovering attorney" who worked in the Franklin County (Columbus) public defender's office, Trattner moved back to the Cleveland area after a serious career reevaluation, and after realizing that the charms of Columbus only run so deep. The grandson of Leo Mintz, owner of Record Rendezvous, Trattner reveals stories of his grandfather sponsoring legendary disc jockey Alan Freed's radio programs in Cleveland, and even suggesting the term "Rock and Roll" to Freed, who popularized it on the radio.

Given Trattner's background, and the orientation of some guides, one may have expected a glorified restaurant guide, but the Moon Guide to Cleveland is far from a foodie handbook, although you'll find suggestions for East, West, the Heights and Lakewood. Plus a few tidbits: Best Late Night Chow: (Bar Cento); Most Picturesque Patio (Three Birds); Slowest Food (Flying Fig), and more.

Essential sidebars in the Moon guide round out the real story of Cleveland with One tells the story of how Cleveland landed the Rock Hall, another offers a short essay on the Kingsbury Run murders,

A healthy 42 pages is given over to Arts & Leisure, including buying a Cleveland Plus Pass, the Tremont Art Walk, PlayhouseSquare's renovation, the Chief Wahoo controversy, and a concise explanation of Cleveland's "there's always next year" sports heartbreaks. And given Cleveland's proximity to such a rich region, the guide's focus on key sidetrips is heartening: Negotiating Amish Buggies, Ohio Wine Country, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Lake Erie Islands each earn a lengthy mention.

The first 25 pages are full color and orient the visitor, with maps, photos, tips, and a sample weekend excursion. And the guide is surprisingly up to date, discussing issues such as the RTA Healthline, and the Rock Hall inductions coming to town every 3 years. The guide even covers the shops of Rocky River, Chagrin Falls, and Cleveland's comix connections (Superman, Harvey Pekar, R. Crumb, Big Fun).

From the Polka Hall of Fame to Gallery U-Haul to Smart Seats to canoe rentals on the Grand River to the Velvet Tango Room and The Barking Spider, Trattner has included an incredibly eclectic range of highlights. Your favorites are here, and some new ones you probably didn't know existed. Or didn't have the URL for.

The Moon guide is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book outlets. Learn more by clicking here.

Review by Thomas Mulready (:divend:)