EVENTS/TASTINGS Geauga Beer Fest Showcases Local Brewing Talent Auburn Acres Hop Farm will host the Geauga Beer Fest on June 14, featuring five regional breweries. Marc Bona reports that attendees can learn about hop growing while sampling beers from Bummin' Beaver, Crooked Pecker, 8th Day, Eleventhree, and Pompatus Brewing. The event supports the Ohio Hop Growers Guild and includes a beer-tasting glass and 12 beer tickets. Ritz-Carlton adds third wine dinner to summer series The Ritz-Carlton is expanding its wine dinner series with an Italian-Inspired Culinary Journey on August 21. Marc Bona highlights the event featuring five Italian wines paired with regional specialties. The dinner is part of a series that includes a Spanish Soirée in June and an Evening in Veneto in July. The cost is $185. Valley's Edge Steak & Seafood to host infused vodka dinner Valley's Edge Steak & Seafood is hosting a five-course vodka pairing dinner on June 21 featuring uniquely infused spirits like cucumber-mint and strawberry-basil, Paris Wolfe reports. The "whimsical experience" costs $95 for dinner only or $125 with vodka pairings, and includes creative dishes from fried skate wing to summer macarons. Brew at the Zoo Offers Dinosaur-Themed Tasting Akron Zoo's first Brew at the Zoo event will feature a unique "Drink with the Extinct" theme, combining beer tasting with 20 life-size animatronic dinosaurs. Marc Bona reports that the June 21 event will include local breweries, live music and food trucks. Tickets include eight sample tastings and after-hours zoo admission. Marble Room to host 26-course molecular gastronomy experience Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar is set to host its second molecular gastronomy dinner, offering a unique 26-course tasting menu that blends science and culinary art. Marc Bona reports on the innovative event featuring extraordinary dishes like foie gras cream puffs, caviar sorbet and a pistachio-stuffed lamb jus "shooter". The extravagant dining experience will take place in the restaurant's vault on June 26. Champagne dinner set for June 16 at Poppy on Larchmere Poppy on Larchmere will host Amy Congrove, the business development manager of Champagnes and Châteaux, for a five-course wine dinner paired with Thiénot Family Champagnes. The dinner will be hosted outside, weather permitting, at 6 p.m. Monday, June 16, Alex Darus reports. St. Vitus summer parish picnic brings traditional Slovenian feast The annual St. Vitus summer parish picnic will take place on July 13 at Slovenska Pristava in Harpersfield. Marc Bona reports the event features a traditional dinner, live music from the Jeff Pecon Band, and various raffles. Proceeds will support church improvements, with dinner tickets priced at $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and younger. Brickstreet Jazz and Wine Festival returns to Akron church The annual event at St. Sebastian Church is set for Thursday, June 26, featuring live jazz, wine and appetizer samples. Marc Bona reports the festival will showcase local bands Syx Bryx and The Whirlybirds with patron tickets starting at 5 p.m. and general admission at 6 p.m. Proceeds will support the church's Academy of Culture and Arts. Rosewood Grill hosts unique dining and shopping experience The Westlake restaurant will host a Dinner & Diamonds event on Friday, July 18 featuring a four-course sparkling wine dinner. Marc Bona writes about the event that includes a pop-up jewelry boutique with a curated menu of gourmet dishes paired with premium wines. Tickets are $99 for this upscale dining and shopping soirée. Local restaurant rewards program begins Cleveland Independents launched a passport program last week that lets diners collect stickers from member restaurants. After gathering eight stickers by mid-July, customers can receive “The Deck” - a set of cards with about $500 in discounts at select local restaurants. One lucky participant will win five $100 gift cards, Marc Bona reports Fieldstone Farm hosts annual Chefs Unbridled fundraiser Marc Bona writes about the upcoming fundraiser at Chagrin Valley Hunt Club Polo Field on September 13, supporting the farm's equine-therapy programs. The event will feature a tasting menu from chef Chris Hodgson, cocktails, wine pull, live music, and carriage rides. Fieldstone Farm, one of the nation's largest equine-therapy centers, serves 1,000 students annually with 35 horses and 15 certified instructors. Autism fundraiser scheduled Cleveland Chef Gala will be held July 31 at Hilton Downtown Cleveland to benefit Autism Speaks. The event pairs local chefs with individuals on the autism spectrum to create inspired dishes. Anthony Scolaro of 111 Bistro in Medina is among three honorees recognized for contributions to the autism community, reports Marc Bona. Italian wine dinner coming up 111 Bistro in Medina has a five-course dinner planned for Thursday, June 12, featuring wines from assorted Italian regions. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. at the Medina restaurant, according to Marc Bona's reporting. James Beard Award-winning author Samin Nosrat coming to Parma library Paris Wolfe reports James Beard Award-winning cookbook author Samin Nosrat will speak about her new book "Good Things" at the Parma-Snow branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library on September 21. The Berkeley-based chef, known for "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat," will discuss her new collection of 125 favorite recipes including comfort foods like ricotta custard pancakes and yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Tickets are $40 for general admission or $150 for VIP access with a pre-show reception. Taste of Black Cleveland 7.0 set Taste of Black Cleveland 7.0 will return to celebrate the city’s Black-owned culinary scene on Thursday, July 31, at Rocket Arena, Marc Bona writes. The annual event features restaurants, caterers, food trucks and private chefs, with attendees voting for their favorites. Each year the tasting draws folks to try a variety of tasty appetizers. 2-day Crocker Park Wine Festival scheduled this summer Crocker Park’s two-day Wine Festival is set for Sept. 12-13, via Marc Bona. The festival will feature more than 150 local, national and international wine producers, along with beer, spirits, local vendors, food vendors and live music. Attendees can stroll through Crocker Park while enjoying tastings. Gervasi Vineyard to hold wine dinner Gervasi Vineyard in Canton is hosting "Savor the Season," a five-course dinner paired with wines on Friday, June 13. Chef Ryan Bowen's menu includes spring gazpacho, lemon ricotta tortellini and rack of lamb, with live music by Rolando, Marc Bona reports. | 