Mr. Velocity, First Snow rocker Wealthy Kosak offers us his favourite regional eating picks: 5 for Friday

CLEVELAND, Oh—It is likely to be over for KISS, who have been simply in Cleveland on their “The Finish of the Street” tour leaving blissful followers and worldwide gross sales of greater than 100 million data of their wake. However the finish is nowhere in sight for Wealthy Kosak, founder and frontman of “the world’s best KISS tribute” Mr. Velocity.

Since 1994, the Summit County resident has donned the greasepaint and id of Paul Stanley’s “Starchild” avatar, outplaying (and out cosplaying) KISS cowl bands from everywhere in the world.

“I may discuss to folks all day about how superb it has been to symbolize the band I really like a lot on this method,” Kosak stated. It’s a ardour that he “may (and will) write a guide about sometime.”

In 2012, Mr. Velocity competed towards 200 worldwide KISS tribute bands and, ultimately, have been topped “The Greatest KISS Tribute Band within the World” on the Onerous Rock On line casino in Las Vegas. The award was given to them by Tommy Thayer of KISS.

This led Kosak and firm to Season 3 of “The World’s Best Tribute Bands” on AXS TV, the place he and Mr. Velocity fetched a worldwide viewers of greater than 40 million properties.

Kosak is stepping out of his platform boots and greasepaint for a second to hitch forces with First Snow: A Tribute to Your Favourite Rock Vacation Orchestra, a band that “has introduced the spirit of the nation’s favourite Rock Vacation Orchestra” to followers since 2008.

“It additionally introduced a stop and desist from a sure ‘rock vacation orchestra,’ too,” Kosak stated, checking in with cleveland.com and The Plain Supplier from his residence in Fairlawn.

“We’re an homage with an arena-sized manufacturing with 13 skilled musicians crammed into theater venues.” he added. “With Mr. Velocity, I’m no stranger to what an homage like that brings together with it.”

The band is scheduled to carry out 4 regional exhibits across the holidays: Saturday, Nov. 25 at E.J. Thomas Corridor in Akron; Saturday, Dec. 2, on the Cleveland Agora; Saturday, Dec. 9 on the Lincoln Theatre in Massillon, and Saturday, Dec. 16, on the Robin’s Theatre in Warren.

“This 12 months, I function the narrator in addition to an added vocalist and guitarist. It’s enjoyable to carry out with a gaggle that brings a novel musical expertise to followers. In that sense, it seems like an ideal match for me given what I do with Mr. Velocity — however it’s additionally a enjoyable recalibration.”

Between these dates and gearing up for Mr. Velocity’s impending thirtieth anniversary tour in 2024, we figured Kosak would have an urge for food for discussing what he’s as much as. Seems, he wished to speak about what he’s hungry for in Northeast Ohio as effectively.

He gave us his “5 for Friday” eating picks—er, make that “8 for On a regular basis”—in his personal phrases:

“Lean Brisket and Whiskey Wonderland” at Mabel’s BBQ: It’s humorous you talked about Michael Symon final week. My favourite restaurant in Northeast Ohio is Mabel’s, that’s the spot. It’s not even a query. That’s the place our get together of 12 went the afternoon of the KISS present right here. I’m an enormous barbecue fan. I dabble with fatty brisket, however I desire the lean. Love their baked beans, love the cole slaw, and I particularly love the pork cracklins! Their bourbon whiskey choice is second to none. Had my first Suntory there. I took my buddy John Humphrey, who performs drums in Seether, to Mabel’s just a few years in the past after they have been on the town. 2050 E. 4th St., Cleveland. 216-417-8823. mabelsbbq.com.

Bonfire Burger at The Rail: I love an excellent burger. And I used to like Symon’s B-Spots, as a result of a sloppy, messy burger is a favourite go-to meal and a murals. The Rail is the burger joint I’ll go to when the inspiration strikes. I get their Bonfire Burger (pepper jack, jalapeño relish, sriracha, habanero sauce) as a result of I like a bit bit of warmth with my meals. Dig their fries. We often do the one at Summit Mall fairly a bit, however there’s one in Strongsville and a pair close to Columbus. Numerous areas. railburger.com.

Tacos Chipotle at Tito’s Mexican Grill: There’s a Mexican joint three minutes from our home referred to as Tito’s, and we get one thing from there on a regular basis. While you discover someplace that’s obtained wonderful meals they usually’re shut by? It does turn into automated. I get these tacos in rooster or beef with a particular chipotle sauce, they usually’re served with a guacamole salad and beneficiant parts of Mexican rice and refried beans. It’s only a good, healthful meal if I wish to be “good” and never fear. I do have to suit into spandex for my predominant gig, in spite of everything, so I attempt to concentrate to that. 25 Ghent Street, Fairlawn. 330-835-9801. titosfairlawn.com.

Lightning Spherical—Burntwood Tavern, Soften Bar & Grilled & Antonio’s: Let’s see, what else…? We do just like the Burntwood Tavern, the Cuyahoga Falls location. I often lean spicy there, too. You’d by no means guess I’m Russian Czech with the new meals I eat! (laughs) We’re additionally massive followers of Soften. Matt (Fish)’s Rooster and Waffles are my go-to there. So good. He’s an enormous KISS fan, so I’ll give him a nod. I’ve by no means had something there that I didn’t like, to be sincere! And so far as pizza goes, we like Antonio’s—a Freddie’s Favourite or the Dolce Picante. Numerous areas. burntwoodtavern.com. meltbarandgrilled.com. antoniospizza.web.

12 Canine of Christmas at Thirsty Canine and Shandy at Market Backyard Brewery: My favourite beer is Tröegs’ Mad Elf — I’m initially from western Pennsylvania — and I refill on that as a result of it’s solely round annually. I like Belgian beers and actually am digging Kwak, which we had once we went to see Peter Frampton in Cincinnati final summer season. Level is, I like good beers. (laughs). I don’t like “NASCAR beers” and you’ll be able to print that! Miller Gentle, Bud Gentle, even Iron Metropolis? No thanks! I like 12 Canine of Christmas by Thirsty Canine as a result of it’s not overbearingly spicy — I need my meals to try this! (laughs) And that Market Backyard Shandy is a pleasant, cool, crisp beer for {the summertime}. 587 Grant St., Akron. 330-252-2739. thirstydog.com. 1947 W. twenty fifth St., Cleveland. 216-621-4000. marketgardenbrewery.com.

Associated: Celeb chef, Champion of Cleveland Michael Symon dishes on his favourite native meals: 5 for Friday

Associated: Drive-time DJ, renaissance lady Kathy Vogel offers us her favourite eating spots: 5 for Friday

Associated: Cleveland ‘Snack Daddy’ and TikTok influencer Stefan Johnson shares his favourite eating spots: 5 for Friday