Local Food Economy
photo Bob Perkoski
Cleveland has a remarkable restaurant scene, one that consistently surprises visitors from so-called "larger markets." There is no denying that access to quality ingredients deserves much of the credit. Long before the farm-to-table trend swept across the national landscape, Cleveland chefs were buying and preparing bushels of locally produced foodstuffs. But farms no longer are reserved for the countryside; urban farms are invading the city at record pace, transforming craggy patches into lush, productive plots. All of these features foster a thriving local foods economy that ranges from farm stands and food trucks to coffee shops and culinary incubators.
Yesterday, almost 900 volunteers from throughout Cleveland joined together in observance of 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, and Hunger Action Month, with a donation of 245,000 meals to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
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Cleveland Oktoberfest, voted the best in the U.S. by USA
Today readers, returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds Friday for two
weekends. The festival features authentic German and European food, craft beer,
live music, and attractions like the largest glockenspiel in the U.S., wiener
dog races, and fireworks.
Loretta Paganini opened her International Culinary Arts and Science Institute 20 years ago to give area culinary students advanced career training. This weekend, local celebrity chefs will help raise scholarship money for the school at the Cleveland's Top Chefs event.
The Astro Restaurant owners invite guests to take a cosmic voyage at their new outer space and alien-themed eatery at Towner City Center. From the creators of the Haunted House Restaurant in Cleveland Heights, The Astro gives a nod to sci-fi classics like Men in Black, Star Wars, The Jetsons, Star Trek, and more in an out-of-this world atmosphere.
The Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Books & Bites: A Culinary Literary Affair with Rocco DiSpirito at its Parma-Snow Branch—a culinary literary discussion between celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito and Cleveland chef Rocco Whalen on DiSpirito's new book, "Everyday Delicious.” The event is Cuyahoga County Library Foundation's biggest fundraiser of the year for the —allowing CCPL's 27 branches to provide programs and services throughout the region.
Despite earning praise and a strong following, Proof Barbeque had to overcome bad timing with the COVID-19 pandemic and an inconvenient location before finding the perfect home and atmosphere in Ohio City. Four years after it first opened, then closed, Proof owner Dave Ferrante relaunched last month.
Cleveland Independents has launched its annual Cleveland Restaurant Week, with $39 prix fixe three-course dinners offered by 40 area restaurants, like The Reserve Chagrin Falls and Batuqui, through Saturday.
The City of South Euclid has more than 60 acres of parks in its four square miles, each with a wealth of recreation options. South Euclid Parks and Recreation director Daniel Subwick wants to add healthy eating to the menu at Bexley Park—the city's largest and most popular park.
Malley's Chocolates is bustling with activity as Valentine's Day approaches. CEO Mike Malley shares insights on seasonal demand during one of the chocolatiers' busiest times and the joy he finds in selling memories and happiness to customers.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Zeta Omega Chapter partnered with Cleveland City Council president Blaine Griffin and other organizations last weekend for the organization's annual food basket giveaway at Ginn Academy. The group handed out 500 baskets to fight food insecurity.
For the third consecutive year, the Rustic Grill at StoneWater Golf Club, the holiday favorite Cleveland Glögg is making its return. Stop by the grill and enjoy a glass of this Swedish-inspired mulled wine or pick up a bottle to enjoy at home!
Adele Malley shares her business and life knowledge in her new book "Conversations with Adele." The former Malley's CEO explores her journey from her early days in her family's meat provision company to successfully growing the Malley's brand into a household name.
Phase two in the Greater Cleveland Food Bank's three-phase plan to create food stability in Northeast Ohio was completed this month with its Collinwood Community Resource Center—with 16 organizations offering their services on-site.
Downtown Cleveland, Inc. invites everyone to come down to North Coast Harbor over the first three Saturdays in October to celebrate Fall Fest at Voinovich Bicentennial Park.
Garlic is king at the 14th annual Cleveland Garlic Festival this weekend at Shaker Square—a celebration of all things garlic that benefits the nonprofit North Union Farmers Market.
Cleveland's culinary community gathered last week at Rood Food and Pie to raise money for chef John and Allysun Selick's daughter Hannah Doty's continuing care as she recovers from AMSAN, rare form of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Since 1912 and through four generations, Gallucci's Italian Foods & Market has served customers from all backgrounds and ethnicities with founder Gust Gallucci's original mantra: Sell the best product at the best possible price and provide good service with a smile and a 'thank you.'
The Salvation Army and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank are partnering for a produce giveaway in the Miles Park neighborhood on Friday.
Tremont will be hopping this weekend, thanks to Tremont West Development Corporation, with two of the neighborhood’s most popular events happening—Walkabout Tremont and Taste of Tremont.
EDWINS Leadership Restaurant and Institute founder Brandon Chrostowski may have been passed over for the James Beard Award for outstanding restauranteur, but he still sees the nomination as a "huge win" for his mission. And he had a blast in Chicago.