CLEVELAND, Ohio — In recent years, Cleveland artist Davon Brantley’s work has taken a spotlight in many of Northeast Ohio’s various art exhibitions.
The 2018 Cleveland Institute of Art graduate has shown his work in exhibitions at BayArts, Akron’s High Arts Festival, Ursuline College, Prama Artspace and Gallery, the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve, the Museum of Contemporary Human Art and more.
Brantley’s art finds inspiration through psychology and his own life. His paintings — many of them self-portraits and portraits — explore topics like race, sexuality and masculinity.
When he’s not painting or showing his work, Brantley enjoys dining out in Cleveland. Here are some of his favorite local restaurants and dining choices:
1. What’s your favorite restaurant and why?
My favorite restaurant has to be The Fix Bistro when it had its location on Cedar and Lee near the Cedar-Lee Theater — an absolutely delicious place and I miss it so much. The vibes were perfect, the food was perfect, the people were perfect and the service was amazing.
(Note: The Fix Bistro closed in 2018, but the owners of the concept then refocused on their other restaurant Black Box Fix, which has locations at Legacy Village in Lyndhurst and Glenvillage in Cleveland.)
2. Favorite dish you have ordered from anywhere?
My favorite dish to order has to be the chicken tikka masala from Indian Flame in University Circle. They always have the most delicious food and with great portion sizes for a person who loves to eat.
3. Favorite dish to make at home?
My favorite dish to make at home has to be a nice salmon dish with dijon mustard cream sauce with a side of asparagus and wedged potatoes.
4. What is your favorite brunch or breakfast spot?
My favorite brunch or breakfast spot has to be the Beachland Tavern! I loved that place so much and was super sad when it was hit by the pandemic. It’s my and my fiancé’s favorite spot, to be honest, for brunch.
5. Favorite drink in Northeast Ohio?
The Blackthorne Sour! I actually requested this drink to be the special for my solo exhibition at The Museum of Creative Human Art and it includes chartreuse which gives it an amazing earthy feel, which I love!
You can find more information about Brantley’s artwork at dbrantleyart.com.
Get a jumpstart on the weekend and sign up for cleveland.com’s weekly “In the CLE” email newsletter, your essential guide to the top things to in Greater Cleveland. It will arrive in your inbox on Friday mornings – an exclusive to-do list, focusing on the best of the weekend fun. Restaurants, music, movies, performing arts, family fun and more. Just click here to subscribe. All cleveland.com newsletters are free.