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Entertainment | Food and Drink

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TOP NEWS

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Great Lakes Brewing experiments with THC-infused seltzer

Great Lakes Brewing Company has launched a new Strawberry Peach Elderflower Seltzer containing 5 milligrams of hemp-derived THC per can. Paris Wolfe reports about the brewery's strategic move to explore alternative adult beverages with a carefully crafted product that offers a refreshing taste without an overwhelming cannabis experience. The seltzer is currently available only at their flagship brewery with strict purchasing limits.

 

Haven Brewing creates community space in Oberlin

Sam and Abbie Foster transform a historic downtown building into Oberlin's first brewery with a mission of fostering connections. Marc Bona writes how the couple's passion for community led them to create a unique brewing experience featuring locally inspired beers and seasonal menu items. The brewery focuses on bringing people together without traditional distractions like televisions.

 

Happy Hour Project: A Garden of Culinary Delights at Poppy

Paris Wolfe and Alex Darus highlight Poppy's enchanting Larchmere restaurant with its 130-seat patio nestled among raised garden beds and fig trees. The restaurant offers an intimate happy hour from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with $8 cocktails and appetizers like smoked eggplant puree and lightly fried calamari. Wolfe notes the menu changes quarterly, making each visit a unique culinary experience.

 

Sushi chef returns to Cleveland dining scene

Carmen Paponetti is preparing to open Domo Yakitori and Sushi in Ohio City after a three-year absence from the sushi market. Marc Bona writes that Paponetti plans to focus on an expanded and more innovative sushi menu at the 800-square-foot location on Lorain Avenue. The chef hopes to create a takeout-focused restaurant that offers high-quality sushi ingredients and packaging.

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Jeff's Candy Shop brings sweet innovation to Cleveland's Collinwood

Jeff Morsfield transformed his passion for candy-making into a unique local business after abandoning economics studies. Paris Wolfe reports that Morsfield crafts handmade toffee, candy bars and hard candies using an antique brass rolling machine and natural ingredients. The playful pink-and-green shop offers locally made sweets and aims to expand its product line.

 

What’s your favorite place to dine in Cleveland Heights?

Cleveland.com launches a community-driven search to find the top restaurants and bars in Cleveland Heights and University Heights. Yadi Rodriguez and Peter Chakerian invite readers to nominate their favorite local establishments for a comprehensive dining guide. The project aims to celebrate and highlight the best local eateries through reader nominations and voting.

 

Rare Bourbon Raffle Supports Make-A-Wish

Marc Bona highlights the Great Summer Bourbon Raffle offering three prize packages of rare bourbon worth $22,000. The raffle includes a full Pappy Van Winkle vertical collection, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and a single Van Winkle Special Reserve bottle. Proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana, with tickets priced at $100 and the drawing livestreamed on August 26.

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OPENINGS/CLOSINGS

Pop-up turns permanent: Kyuu Juu brings contemporary Japanese cuisine to Ohio City

Ryan Endrian and his business partner Kwan are transforming their successful pop-up into a full-scale restaurant featuring innovative Japanese dishes and drinks. Alex Darus writes about the restaurant, officially opening July 18, with an expansive menu highlighting both Japanese imports and local ingredients. The space includes a modern bar with sake and unique cocktails inspired by a Kabuki play.

 

Qdoba expands fast-casual dining in North Olmsted

A new Qdoba Mexican Eats location opens in North Olmsted, offering West Side residents customizable burritos, bowls and more. Alex Darus highlights the restaurant's 1,600-square-foot space with seating for 14 and a 35-person crew. The chain now operates 16 restaurants in Ohio with online ordering and a mobile rewards program.

 

Paris Baguette Opens First Greater Cleveland Location

Parth Patel is bringing the international bakery chain Paris Baguette to Avon with a grand opening on July 18. Marc Bona reports that the 2,550-square-foot bakery will offer signature treats like almond pastries, chocolate croissants and a cappuccino cake that looks like an actual cappuccino cup. The franchise aims to revive the neighborhood bakery concept with a unique customer experience.  

 

Jersey Mike's brings subs and charity to Fairlawn

A new Jersey Mike's sub shop opens in Fairlawn with a philanthropic twist. Marc Bona reports the restaurant hosted a fundraiser for One Of A Kind Pet Rescue during its grand opening week. The location offers in-store baked bread and supports the chain's commitment to local charitable giving.

 

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EVENTS/TASTINGS

Edwins to celebrate Bastille Day with French flair

Edwins Restaurant in Cleveland Heights will host its annual La Bastille celebration on July 12, featuring French cuisine, Champagne and live music. Alex Darus reports about the event that supports the restaurant's culinary training program for formerly incarcerated individuals. Tickets range from $75 to $225, with founder Brandon Chrostowski recently winning a James Beard Foundation Impact Award.

 

Sourdough Breadmaking Meets Craft Beer at Eleventhree Brewery

 Eleventhree Brewing in Chardon is hosting a sourdough breadmaking class that pairs specialty breads with sour beers. Paris Wolfe highlights the August 6 workshop where attendees will learn to make loaves with unique inclusions like cheddar, chocolate and fruits. The $60 class includes beer tastings, sourdough paninis and insights into fermentation techniques.

 

Stan Hywet's Off the Vine: A Culinary Wine Tasting Experience

Marc Bona reports about an upcoming food and wine event at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron on July 25. The evening will feature tapas-style appetizers from local caterers live music and a wine pull with wines valued over $20. Tickets cost $85 with designated driver options available at stanhywet.org.

 

LeBron James Family Foundation Launches First Farmers Market

 The LeBron James Family Foundation's House Three Thirty will host its inaugural farmers market featuring over 60 local vendors. Alex Darus highlights that the free event on July 19 will offer fresh produce, pantry items and ready-made goods from local businesses. Visitors can also enjoy a BBQ-themed menu and take self-guided tours of LeBron James' Home Court.

 

Downtown Cleveland restaurant to host special monastic-inspired feast

The Friar's Table will host a unique five-course wine-pairing dinner celebrating the Feast of St. Benedict on July 11. Marc Bona reports about the communal dining event featuring European monastic traditions with a carefully curated menu of seasonal dishes. The $105 dinner at 1305 Euclid Avenue promises limited seating and a chance to explore culinary simplicity and reflection.

 

The Judith café celebrates Bastille Day with French feast

The Judith will host a ticketed Bastille Day feast on July 13 featuring French classics like oysters, sardines and pissaladiere. Alex Darus reports the $80 per person event includes a family-style dinner with seasonal dishes and live music in the garden. The celebration commemorates the historic storming of the Bastille prison in 1789. 

 

Alley Cat Oyster Bar hosts annual Oyster Olympiad

Alley Cat Oyster Bar will host its 5th annual Oyster Olympiad on July 23, offering an all-you-can-eat seafood experience. Alex Darus reports the $125 event featuring raw and grilled oysters from both U.S. coasts, wine pairings and live music. The restaurant will also donate a portion of proceeds to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

 

Mahall's and Rood Food team up for carnival-inspired adventure

Mahall's is hosting a one-night-only kitchen takeover featuring elevated carnival-style cuisine on July 10. Alex Darus reports that Rood chefs Josh Erickson and Annabella Andricks will collaborate with Parky's chef Parker Shaffer to create unique dishes like black garlic ribbon fries and a plant-based kielbasa corn dog. The menu promises creative takes on fair food from two Madison Avenue restaurants.

 

North Union Farmers Market celebrates 30 years of local food

The nonprofit market will commemorate three decades of connecting Northeast Ohio communities with fresh local food through a celebration and dinner series. Marc Bona highlights the July 12 party featuring family-friendly activities and a farm-to-table dinner at Edwins restaurant on July 21. Proceeds will support food access initiatives and small farm support.

 

Valley's Edge hosts tropical dinner experience

MGM Northfield Park's Valley's Edge Steak & Seafood will transform into a Hawaiian paradise for a special luau-themed dinner on July 16. Paris Wolfe highlights the five-course event featuring island-inspired dishes and cocktail pairings. Guests will receive a lei upon arrival and enjoy a culinary journey through tropical flavors.

 

Buildings and Food hosts charity block party

The Buildings and Food restaurant group will host its second annual block party raising money for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Marc Bona highlights the July 20 event featuring live music, multiple restaurant brands and a goal of raising $30,000. The party will include food, drinks, raffles and entertainment.

 

Collinwood neighborhood welcomes Food For All Friday Market

Alex Darus reports about the return of the Food For All Friday Market to Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood, providing weekly access to fresh local produce under the Euclid Beach arch. The market runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Fridays through October 31, offering locally sourced produce, eggs and pantry items.

 

Marble Room to host Spanish-themed wine dinner 

Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar will host a six-course Spanish wine and food pairing event in their opulent vault. Marc Bona reports the dinner will feature wines from Bodegas Muriel paired with dishes like charred octopus and seafood paella. The event is scheduled for July 15th with tickets priced at $330.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Great Lakes Brewing Co. Announces Christmas Ale in July Event 

Great Lakes Brewing Co. will host its annual Christmas Ale in July celebration featuring their popular seasonal beer on Thursday, July 24. Marc Bona highlights the midyear event at the Ohio City brewpub, which will include a pig roast, toy drive for Providence House and a special Hop College beer and doughnut pairing. The event offers a unique opportunity to taste the brewery's top-selling Christmas Ale before its traditional October release.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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. 

 

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.

 

James Beard Award-winning author Samin Nosrat coming to Parma 

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. 

 

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PICKS OF THE WEEK

Corner 11 Bowl and Wrap

When the peak summer humidity is just too unbearable, I can't stomach the thought of eating anything hot and cooked. Corner 11's poke bowls are always the answer. The customizable bowls feature both raw and cooked toppings, my favorite being the spicy tuna and salmon. Toppings from edamame to corn to pineapple add bright and colorful flavors to every refreshing bowl. Corner 11 has locations in Tremont and Strongsville. - Alex Darus DETAILS

 

CITY BBQ

When it’s in the high 80s and you don’t want to stand over a hot grill, City BBQ has the meats. And the sides and desserts. For eat in or take out or party catering. Through the end of July, the six locations in Northeast Ohio are offering pork belly “burnt ends” --smoked and crispy-fried pork belly cubes tossed in a sticky jalapeño-honey glaze and finished with pickled red onions. Of course, there are ribs, pulled pork sandwiches and smoked brisket with five sauce options. The mac-n-cheese, which took a people’s choice second place in the 9th Mac N Cheese Throwdown, is a popular side dish.  – Paris Wolfe DETAILS

 

Broadview Brewing Co.

Janice and Terry DeLap started a neighborhood brewery a few years ago, and it’s just that – a great place for folks to enjoy themselves, sip some good beer, hear some music and hang out. The beer list always has about a dozen tap offerings from a Mexican Lager to fruit beers and others. Bonus: Several slushies also are offered. Blackberry bourbon smash anyone? It’s at 4001-A Towpath Road, Broadview Heights, and open Wednesday to Sunday. – Marc Bona  DETAILS

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SPOTLIGHT

Summer Beer Guide: Four Refreshing Brews to Beat the Heat

Marc Bona shares his delightful July beer review featuring four unique beverages from the United States and Germany. The selection includes a Double IPA, an Ohio-brewed IPA, a German Helles Lager and a blueberry lager from Samuel Adams. Snow Cone from Wolf's Ridge and Oberdorfer Helles were named the month's top picks. 

 

Entertainment | Food and Drink

 

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