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Entertainment | Food and Drink

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TOP NEWS

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Edwins founder receives James Beard Impact Award
Paris Wolfe writes about Brandon Chrostowski's powerful acceptance speech after receiving the 2025 James Beard Foundation Impact Award. Chrostowski's Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute continues to provide training and support for recently incarcerated individuals. He challenged fellow culinary professionals to create opportunities for those often overlooked by society. 

 

Harvest for Hunger campaign meets ambitious goals

The 34th Harvest for Hunger campaign collected more than $11 million to provide over 33 million meals for hunger-relief organizations. Marc Bona highlights the collaborative effort across 21 counties, with campaign co-chairs praising donors' contributions. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank served 424,000 people, with 25% receiving food assistance for the first time. Special awards recognized outstanding contributors to the campaign.

 

National Old-Fashioned Day: Cleveland bartenders reveal cocktail secrets

Celebrating the world's first classic cocktail, bartenders share their meticulous techniques for crafting the perfect Old Fashioned. Paris Wolfe reports about expert mixologists who emphasize traditional methods like using raw cane sugar, specific bitters and high-end bourbon. Each bartender offers unique insights into creating a sophisticated cocktail with complex flavors and aromatic experiences.

 

Wine lovers discover six lighter-bodied wines for June

Marc Bona reports about a wine tasting adventure spanning five different regions, sampling six wines under $25. The collection includes Sauvignon Blancs from California and Chile, a French rosé and wines from Oregon and Argentina. Notably, only one wine was deemed undrinkable in this diverse tasting.

 

Dubai chocolate: Is it worth the hype? 4 versions reviewed

Dubai Chocolate felt like a fad at first. Now, four years after its debut, it’s still gaining fans. Once it hit Trader Joe’s, reporter Paris Wolfe decided to see what the hype was about. She talks to local chocolatiers and tries four versions to learn more.

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Abundance Culinary launches innovative dumpling subscription service in Cleveland Heights

Chef Liu Fang brings handmade Chinese dumplings to Cleveland with a new subscription club featuring three tiers of unique flavors. Alex Darus reports about Fang's personal culinary journey, highlighting how her family memories inspire each dumpling variety. The subscription offers monthly pickups with options ranging from $60 to $200 for multiple bags of dumplings.

 

D&D Meadery expands to Heinen's grocery stores

Paris Wolfe highlights the Mentor-based meadery's expansion into Heinen's. Brothers Dominick and Derek Zirkle offer five mead varieties made with locally sourced ingredients, celebrating their first anniversary. The meadery aims to introduce customers to this ancient honey-based alcoholic beverage as an alternative to traditional drinks

 

New book explores history of gay restaurants

Marc Bona highlights Erik Piepenburg's debut book "Dining Out" exploring the cultural significance of gay restaurants. Piepenburg's work chronicles how these spaces served critical social functions beyond just dining. The book examines gay restaurant history from the 1970s to present day, offering insights into LGBTQ community development.

 

Rockey's Botanical Liqueur debuts in Ohio

A new low-alcohol botanical liqueur crafted from pineapple, green apple, tea and citrus is launching in Ohio. Paris Wolfe writes the creation by Eamon Rockey, a Michelin-starred restaurant veteran who developed the spirit as a versatile cocktail modifier. The 24-proof liqueur can be enjoyed on its own or mixed in various cocktails like martinis and negronis.

 

New book explores Lorain County's culinary immigration history

Kelly Boyer Sagert's new book "Lorain County Family Recipes" delves into how immigration and the steel industry shaped the region's diverse food traditions. Marc Bona writes about the book's exploration of how different immigrant groups brought their culinary heritage to Lorain County. The book reveals how 55 different nationalities contributed to the area's unique food culture.

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OPENINGS/CLOSINGS

Bar Fuoco brings Amalfi Coast vibes to Chagrin Falls

Alex Darus reports on the new wood-fired restaurant that captures the essence of Southern Italian cuisine. Bar Fuoco recently opened behind Jojo's Bar, featuring a custom gaucho grill with shareable plates and cocktails inspired by the Amalfi Coast. The restaurant offers everything from pizzettes to skewers without a single fried item on the menu.

 

Fast Eddie's Kitchen & Bar Finds New Parma Location

Fast Eddie's Kitchen & Bar is relocating to a new spot in Parma this October. Marc Bona reports that owner Eddie Cerino will move from his current location to the former Two Bucks site in Tri City Shopping Center. The new location will offer 100 seats and continue the restaurant's family legacy.

 

Cleveland Restaurant Management Group expands with two new dining concepts

Two new restaurants will open in Legacy Village: The Legacy and EVOO, paying tribute to the group's 50-year dining history. Paris Wolfe highlights the concepts, which will feature nostalgic dishes and innovative Greek-Mediterranean cuisine. The Legacy will open around Thanksgiving with EVOO following in early 2026.

 

Cocky's Bagels expands to Cleveland's East Side:

Cocky's Bagels is opening its fourth location in University Heights this summer, taking over the former Zina Greek Food space. Alex Darus reports that husband-wife team Keene and Natalie Cockburn have been scouting the East Side for years, with plans to open in August. The new shop will feature their signature loaded bagel sandwiches in a coffee shop-style setting. 

 

Royal Docks Brewing Co. Faces Mysterious Location Closures

Two Royal Docks Brewing Co. locations have suddenly closed amid a complex legal dispute. Marc Bona writes about the brewing conflict between co-founder John Bikis and investor Andrew Gould, which has resulted in the shutdown of their Canton and Cleveland locations. The dispute stems from a failed business partnership and unresolved lease negotiations.

 

Health-focused restaurant opens on Cleveland's Public Square

A new restaurant called Rejuv Eatery has opened, offering nutritious dining options while providing valuable culinary training for Cuyahoga Community College students. Paris Wolfe highlights the establishment's mission to rejuvenate diners through fresh, organic meals and smoothies. The eatery serves breakfast and lunch with a focus on health-conscious menu items.

 

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EVENTS/TASTINGS

Crush Em for Cancer Returns to Market Garden's New Taproom

Market Garden Brewery will host its third annual Crush Em for Cancer benefit at its new Irishtown Bend Taproom. Alex Darus reports that the event features local celebrities like Andre Knott and Mike Polk Jr. bartending with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. The free event promises live music and auction items on Thursday, June 26.

 

Taste of Tremont returns for 21st year

Marc Bona reports on the upcoming neighborhood food festival. The event will feature over 25 restaurants, food trucks and artisans along Professor Avenue on July 20. More than 25,000 people are expected to attend this free celebration of Tremont's culinary scene and community spirit.

 

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. 

 

Ritz-Carlton Cleveland hosts premium tequila tasting

Paris Wolfe highlights an upcoming Don Julio Tequila Tasting at the Ritz-Carlton. Guests will sample five tequila expressions including Blanco, Reposado and the premium 1942, paired with chef-prepared small plates. The event on Saturday, July 26 offers a unique opportunity to explore different tequila varieties in a luxurious setting.

 

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.

 

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. 

 

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PICKS OF THE WEEK

Little Cloud Sandwiches

Little Cloud is a recent addition to Greater Cleveland’s roster of sandwich shops, located in Ohio City. The aesthetically-pleasing spot offers all-day breakfast, customizable sandwiches and more on its daily menu. Seasonal sandwiches like a fried green tomato BLT and fried chicken salad with bacon aren’t to be missed before they’re gone. Plus, Little Cloud offers several gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options so everyone can stop by for a quick bite. Little Cloud is at 1512 W. 25th Street in Cleveland. – Alex Darus DETAILS

 

Larder Delicatessen & Bakery

If you know Chef Jeremy Umansky of Larder Delicatessen and Bakery in Hingetown, you know he talks a lot about using Koji to improve the taste of food. Probably because he wrote a book on using these Koji mold-inoculated grains to elevate the umami in everything. Leave it to Umansky to come up with a handcrafted orange soda using, of course, koji. When you’re having lunch or dinner at the deli run by he and his wife Allie La Valle, be sure to add a homemade soda to your order. – Paris Wolfe - Details

 

Dean Martin’s Lanning’s

A classic steakhouse with a classic name. With an old-fashioned feel in a pristine environment (owners Dean and Bethany Martin make sure the place gets the spic-n-span treatment regularly), you’re greeted by wine lockers as you enter. The dishes are very well prepared, but the service is top notch. In a day and age when service can be challenging at even the best restaurants, it’s nice to see fine dining is alive and well. Great wine list to boot. You’ll go for a special occasion, and you’ll keep coming back because, say, Wednesday comes once a week. It’s at 826 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Akron. – Marc Bona Read More

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SPOTLIGHT

Davis Bakery & Deli Wins Best Deli in Northeast Ohio

Davis Bakery & Deli, a historic Cleveland institution, has been crowned the best deli in Northeast Ohio by readers' poll. Peter Chakerian and Yadi Rodriguez highlight the bakery's 85-year history, featuring a yeast starter older than most customers and recipes unchanged since its 1939 founding. The family-run business continues to serve the community with traditional Jewish baked goods and deli offerings.

Entertainment | Food and Drink

 

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