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Entertainment | Food and Drink

TOP NEWS

Swensons, Cordelia launch unique limited-time collaboration

Swensons Drive-In and Cordelia are teaming up for a limited-time collaboration that’s a match made in Midwest heaven. The 90-year-old drive-in chain from Akron will feature two specialty menu items made in collaboration with Cordelia chef Vinnie Cimino for June. More fun is planned to celebrate the collab throughout the month, Alex Darus reports.

Ohio Distillery Trail Pass: Earn points, get discounts

The Ohio Distillery Trail has kicked off its second year, allowing participants to earn points by checking in at participating distilleries that can be exchanged for exclusive merchandise. The trail has grown from 35 to approximately 45 distilleries across Ohio, with more joining soon. Participants can download the free Distillery Trail Pass from the Ohio Distillers Guild, which also offers discounts and promotions at various locations, Paris Wolfe reports.

New app connects pilots with airport restaurants

A Beachwood couple has launched Fly-n-Eat, an app that helps pilots find restaurants at regional airports across the continental United States. Dentist Rick Rzepka, who has flown for 25 years, created the app after realizing there was no modern resource for pilots looking for dining options during day trips. Marc Bona reports the subscription-based app features more than 340 restaurants with details on location, hours, menus and more.

8th Day Brewing chugging along in Chagrin Falls

8th Day Brewing Co. is approaching its fourth anniversary as part of a growing beer destination in Chagrin Falls. Owner Matt Boddy started brewing after his wife bought him a beer kit during retirement. Marc Bona reports the brewery offers 11 beers and a popular hard seltzer on its 3.5-barrel system, with regular events including a popular open-mic night.

Gallucci's Italian Market:: Classic CLE Eats & Drinks

This Cleveland institution has been serving authentic Italian fare since the 1920s, from its wooden cart beginnings to its current Euclid Avenue location. With hanging cheeses, cured meats, and barrels of olives creating a sensory overload, the market offers both groceries and beloved lunch options like Italian subs and Sicilian pizza. Peter Chakerian reports that despite changing times, it remains the only line he's happy to stand in.

Ballpark food review: Fried bologna

A childhood staple gets the stadium treatment at Progressive Field with a $12 fried bologna sandwich. The hearty offering features griddle-toasted bologna topped with American cheese spread, potato chips for crunch and a tangy sauce on a brioche bun. Marc Bona reports it's a deliciously messy “chowdown experience” worth trying during your next Guardians game.

Epic Universe eats and treats: 6 must-try foods at Universal Orlando’s new park

Universal Orlando's new theme park offers themed culinary experiences that match its attractions, including a brain-shaped "Labotocotta" dessert in Dark Universe and butterbeer crepes in the Wizarding World. Susan Glaser reports other must-try items include purple-crusted pizza, mac and cheese cones, and mushroom soup served in a toadstool tureen.

Pierogi House in Parma serves authentic Eastern European cuisine from scratch

A renamed Eastern European eatery in Parma Heights is gaining attention for its authentic, scratch-made pierogi and traditional cuisine. Chef Oleg Makhayev, who hails from Ukraine, uses his grandmother's recipes to create generously filled pierogi that have become the restaurant's signature item, Alex Darus reports. The establishment also offers homemade Eastern European classics, from borscht to cabbage rolls, alongside breakfast and lunch staples with a European twist.

Award-winning chefs and mixologists present culinary workshop at The Chef’s Garden

Award-winning chefs and mixologists will gather at The Chef's Garden in Milan for a full-day "Celebration of Culinary Synergy" workshop on June 9. The event features 2024 James Beard winner Danny Childs, beverage consultant Eamon Rockey, chef Jamie Simpson, and five-time James Beard nominee Jeremy Umansky, who will demonstrate foraging, fermentation, and collaborative techniques. Paris Wolfe reports the workshop concludes with a public cocktail event at Larder in Cleveland.

OPENINGS/CLOSINGS

Rocky River gets new farmers market: Farm Dog Fresh opens second location 

Farm Dog Fresh is growing Greater Cleveland’s options for accessing locally grown produce with its new farm stand in Rocky River. The new farm stand will be open noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays through Labor Day weekend, Alex Darus reports. Farm Dog Fresh’s latest spot is at Wooster and Center Ridge roads at the parking lot outside of Riverview Martial Arts and Fitness.

The Rail evolves

The Rail is transforming from a “hyper beef-focused” restaurant to The Rail Craft Kitchen & Bar with an expanded menu including salmon, shrimp and steak options. Owner Mike Mariola closed the original Fairlawn location while maintaining restaurants in Strongsville, Dublin and Grandview as part of a strategic brand refresh that includes new glassware, plateware, décor, menu and more. Marc Bona reports the concept shift actually has roots that go back a few years.

Gourmet toast and juice bar Toastique to open first Cleveland-area location

Toastique, a gourmet toast and juice bar, will open its first Cleveland-area location this summer at Orange Village's Pinecrest shopping center, Paris Wolfe reports. The 1,500-square-foot café will serve health-conscious options including signature toasts, smoothie bowls, and collagen-infused espresso drinks. Entrepreneur Jonnah Cesare plans additional Northeast Ohio locations after this initial venture. 

EVENTS/TASTINGS

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.

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

Cleveland’s Cordelia partners with Oberlin’s ThiNi Thai for dinner

Vinnie Ciminio, Cordelia’s James Beard-nominated chef, and ThiNi Thai’s chef Aon Krittathiranon will collaborate on a menu that features East Asian and Midwestern dishes for one night only. READ MORE 

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.

Santé Supper Club hosts plant-based dinner sans alcohol, with floral workshop

Santé Supper Club is hosting a non-alcoholic, vegan dinner event on June 7 at a Northeast Ohio location to be announced. The evening will feature plant-based cuisine from Chef Sarah Martin, who trained at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, as well as zero-proof cocktails crafted with Dhōs spirits. Participants will also enjoy a hands-on floral arrangement workshop led by Cleveland-based Britney Devaris of Staple + Layer, with guests taking home their own creations. READ MORE

Vinnie Cimino, Liu Fang, more top Cleveland chefs to cook at Nature At Night benefit

The annual Nature At Night benefit for the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes has revealed its lineup of chefs, drink vendors and more. The annual dinner, which raises money for the Nature Center at 26000 South Park Boulevard in Cleveland, is set for May 31. Cordelia chef Vinnie Cimino, Abundance Culinary chef Liu Fang and more are slated to cook. READ MORE

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. READ MORE

James Beard Award-winning author Samin Nosrat coming to Parma library

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. READ MORE

Taste of Black Cleveland 7.0 set

Taste of Black Cleveland 7.0 will celebrate the city’s Black-owned culinary scene on Thursday, July 31, at Rocket Arena. 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. READ MORE

2-day Crocker Park Wine Festival scheduled this summer

Crocker Park’s two-day Wine Festival is set for Sept. 12-13. 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. READ MORE

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. READ MORE 

PICKS OF THE WEEK

Buckeye Beer Engine

Buckeye Beer Engine in Lakewood is always a game day destination for a reason. It has everything a bar menu should, from soft pretzels to Rudy’s Strudel pierogi. Wings, burger sliders and more pair with any of its extensive draft list. Plus, you can’t miss the Bloody Mary bar during weekend brunches. Buckeye Beer Engine is at 15315 Madison Avenue in Lakewood – Alex Darus DETAILS

Great Lakes Brewing Company

Great Lakes Brewing Company offers a certain comfort on a rainy day. You’ll even find a fireplace in the enclosed courtyard. A slow afternoon calls for a beer and a snack. Among the snack choices are hoppy pickles, roasted bar nuts and a giant pretzel. The homemade hummus with grilled Leavened sourdough slices, fresh vegetables and fried chickpeas is great for sharing. Or get heartier with a sandwich or burger. Pub-exclusive beers include You’re Hot, Honey, a hot pepper and honey infused brew. -- Paris Wolfe -- DETAILS

SPOTLIGHT

Happy Hour Project: Heritage Steak and Whiskey makes upscale dining approachable (photos) 

The after-work happy hour is alive and well at Heritage Steak and Whiskey. The elegant steakhouse at Eton Chagrin has a moody lounge that sets the stage for decompressing after work or making deals over a glass of bourbon. Plus, its Heritage Hour makes it even more enticing to stop by on a weekday afternoon, like reporters Alex Darus and Paris Wolfe recently did as part of their ongoing Happy Hour series.

Entertainment | Food and Drink

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