101 minute read
The Dish
01.22 THE DISH
135+
restaurant listings
serving straight talk on food, drinks and restaurants
Hot Buns Have you heard the secret? Good Meal Jane’s new Flamin’ Hot sheesh burger ($7.99) is the latest white whale amongst Cleveland foodies. While most burger connoisseurs would gawk at two 5-ounce smash patties with the works, including nacho and American cheese, this ghost kitchen turns up the heat with a crunchy, spicy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos-dusted bun. An elegant drizzle of even more neon-orange nacho cheese offers up a grand finale. It might all sound like a novelty nightmare, but the dish is so beloved that Good Meal Jane sells 30 to 50 of them a day. “It looks so gimmicky until you actually try it, and then you realize it’s everything that you needed,” says chef William Lewis, who plans to open a brick-and-mortar location later this month. Until then, try one yourself by ordering through a link on the restaurant’s Instagram bio. instagram.com/goodmealjane // EMMA DOLLENMAYER
ON THE SIDE
Zachary Bond’s Chef Career Comes Full Circle at the Spot on Lakeshore
DINING REVIEW
Immigrant Son Brewery Brings WorldInspired Brewery Bites to Lakewood
DINING GUIDE
Eugene Chef Michael Schoen Cooks (and Eats) What He Loves
What’s Brewing
Cleveland beer fans were blessed with two new unique breweries at the end of 2021.
BrewDog
This Scottish company opened its ninth location in December along the Cuyahoga River in the Flats. Among the 31 beer taps are flavors shipped up from the Columbus location, classic European brands and some funkier sips brewed in the in-house microbrewery. Snag a gigantic burger or spicy fried chicken sandwich from the lengthy gastropub menu. brewdog.com
Schnitz Ale Brewery
TIPS ON TIPS
After two already tough years, restaurant workers are reporting an uptick in poor behavior and low tips. So, we asked three service industry workers how to be more considerate guests in 2022. // BY RUTH CORRADI BEACH
Rebecca Maxwell, bartender at The Velvet Dog
Owned by Das Schnitzel Haus and located across the street, this German-themed brewery is Parma’s first-ever beermaker. Opened in November, the 10,000-squarefoot space features Old World décor, a light food menu and 12 core beers. facebook.com/ schnitzalebrewery Waving money at bartenders and leaning over the bar doesn’t work. I am not ignoring you, but I have to serve this entire bar. Be prepared with your order, not asking all your friends what they want or searching for money. The more prepared you are, the faster I can be.
Fresh Start
Sara Corrigan, server and bar manager at Gunselman’s Tavern
Always tip on to-go orders like you would if the food was brought to your table. A lot of people don’t realize that being on the phone, ringing in your order and packaging the food taps into our [in-house] serving time. The way the customer treats you really sets your mood and helps you enjoy the job.
Brittany Koscho, delivery driver and server at Longo’s Pizza
Rule of thumb: Tip as you would a server. When the weather is bad and you want to stay home, we’re the ones driving in the snow and rain to bring your hot food right to you. With the way gas prices are, that’s a big part of our earnings. Also, leave the lights on. Little things like that help us out.
The standard tipping percentage is 20-30%, according to service workers.
If you’re looking for a slightly healthier local beverage option this month, try Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s new Agave Twist Ranch Water. The hard seltzer, which comes in four flavors and was inspired by a tequila cocktail that’s popular in Texas, joins Lo-Cal Citrus on the 35-year-old company’s new line of “slightly lighter” beverages.
TO THE MOON
Terrestrial Brewing Co. in Battery Park announced an ambitious expansion that will include a 70-seat, full-service restaurant next to the existing taproom and a 200-person live music venue above it. The best part of the project, which is scheduled to open this spring, might be the rooftop patio with lakefront views. facebook.com/terrestrialbrewing
Home Cooking
Dishes like the flank steak and eggs (bottom right) exemplify The Spot on Lakeshore’s elevated approach to brunch.
The Spot on Lakeshore brings creative brunch fare to Mentor in the same space chef Zachary Bond started. / BY DILLON STEWART /
Zachary Bond’s culinary journey has led him back to where he started. Last November, Bond launched The Spot on Lakeshore, a Mentor restaurant that brings fine dining panache to brunch fare. The Lakeshore Boulevard space was previously Lakeshore Eatery — the same place Bond first fell in love with cooking at 21 years old.
Bond went on to cut his teeth at some of Lake County’s best restaurants, working his way up to become chef de cuisine at Ballantine and Willoughby Brewing Co. Soon, his hunger to learn more led him to train at L’Albatros under chef and owner Zack Bruell and chef de cuisine Temple Turner.
Eventually, he was tapped to run Table 45 in downtown Cleveland, which seemed like the pinnacle of his career.
But, like in every recent chef story, the pandemic changed everything. Downtime made the chef reconsider his path. When McLaughlin called offering up his space, Bond couldn’t pass it up.
“I wanted to see my kids grow up and spend time with my wife, who supported me through all the challenges of being a chef and chasing this dream,” he says.
Don’t let the word brunch fool you. This isn’t your grandpa’s diner. More gastropub than greasy spoon, the 4,600-square-foot space, which seats about 115, features modern decor with walls decked out in psychedelic paintings of outlaw chefs like Marco Pierre White and Anthony Bourdain.
And the menu is exactly what you’d expect from a chef with Bond’s resume.
Skillets such as the Cro ($11) — which offers cevapi from Zagreb Quality Meats in Cleveland and house-made ajvar (a Croatian roasted red pepper spread) — nod to the area’s immigrant community. The pastrami salmon toast ($11) features cold-smoked salmon with a pastrami rub on an everything bagel with green onion cream cheese. Other surprising breakfast specialties include the torn tiramisu pancakes ($10) and the coffee-rubbed, four hour-braised short rib hash ($12).
The lunch menu, which starts at 11 a.m., includes similarly ambitious sammies and salads, while the bar pumps out twists on mimosas, bloody marys and boozy coffees, as well as fresh, house-made detox juices and ginger beer. There’s also a grab-and-go station with pastries and sandwiches.
While his happy clientele is already clamoring for dinner hours, Bond is committed to keeping reasonable hours for himself and his staff. In many ways, his life has come full circle — and he intends to enjoy it.
“I’m cooking for my friends and family — people that I understand,” he says. “It’s amazing hearing people in the community saying, ‘Thank you so much for doing this here.’” 7272 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor, 440-5108504, thespotonlakeshore.com
Immigrant Song
After much anticipation, Immigrant Son Brewery’s world-inspired food and beer are flourishing in Lakewood. / BY DILLON STEWART /
Ireally wanted to hate Immigrant Son Brewery. Don’t get me wrong. Owner Andrew Revy designed the brewpub to represent not only his story, as the son of Hungarian immigrants, but all of our stories through a menu of globally inspired bites and top-notch beers. Me, the son of a Croatian immigrant, sitting next to other immigrant children and smashing a hodgepodge of flavors from across the Mediterranean, South America, Eastern
Europe and Vietnam. It’s the American dream.
But I had a hard time getting past the backstory. Immigrant Son was supposed to open with award-winning homebrewer Cara Baker and notable chef Vinnie Cimino, who wowed at Greenhouse Tavern, running with the brewpub’s global concept. However, the trio parted ways in early summer of 2021 as the opening date neared.
Revy shrugged it off, saying “decisions get made for the betterment of the organization.” In a Facebook post, Baker claimed employees were blindsided and unfairly compensated. Some Cleveland foodies agreed. I tend to side with the everyman.
But it’s tough to hold a grudge when a flight of beer hits your table.
Over two diverse experiences, my culinary comrades and I explored a menu that delivered on its promise to transform and delight with well-sourced ingredients, such as regional meat and produce and cured meats and cheeses from across the world.
Revy has a penchant for adventure in the kitchen, now helmed by chef Rob Dippong, formerly of Johnny’s Downtown and Gigi’s on Fairmount, and at the tap, which pumps beer from brewer Eric Luli, who logged time with Great Lakes Brewing
Co. and Platform Beer Co.
It’s no surprise. Two decades ago, Revy opened Manja in Lakewood with his brother, Frank Revy, and Brad Kessler. The small-but-mighty space delivered an acclaimed menu of game meats, such as kangaroo and wild boar.
“We had some culinary fun,” he says.
After selling, Revy worked with Constantino’s Market, owned by his father-inlaw, Constantine Mavromichalis.
In 2019, the grocery store was losing out to Lucky’s Market, which had just opened across town. So in November, Revy announced plans to renovate the space into Lakewood’s first brewery.
First, it needed a gut job. The towering wood beams and rooftop skylights live on, but creating a functional kitchen, 10-barrel brewing system and 15-stool bar proved difficult. Revy expected to open in summer 2020. But the pandemic presented hurdles. “It’s been an interesting ride,” he says. For all the waiting, the final product isn’t unrecognizable. Under vaulted ceilings, the restaurant is brightly lit, bustling and communal just like a grocery store.
Our first visit came during opening week in October and focused on beer. As we waited an hour for a table, we downed our first round at neighboring Sloane’s
Feast on Eastern European and Mediterranean flavors such as chicken paprikash and octopus.
WHEN YOU GO
Immigrant Son Brewery
Pub, which was reeling from the influx of visitors to the shopping plaza. Since then, things have died down, and our second visit didn’t require a reservation.
Despite Sloane’s frosty mug, the ISB American Pilsner ($6) beat out its predecessor: Miller Lite. Next, Cleveland pride drove me to the citrusy PerZverence IPA ($6), a charitable partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers legend Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
But I beg you not to stick to pilsners and IPAs. Saisons are trending locally, and the pastoral Farmhouse Ale Saison ($6), with its chorus of spicy, herbal and floral notes, is a great place to start that journey — especially if the thought of another quadruple-hopped IPA makes you gag. From there, I’d push you — yes, even you, who doesn’t drink beer — toward the coffee porter (6.2%), a smooth sipper infused with Brazilian medium-roast from Ready Set! Coffee Roasters.
Our beer snacks, however, disappointed a bit. The oysters (market price), drenched in an IPA mignonette, were good. Yet, the applewood-smoked and chargrilled wings, served at market price due to a wing shortage, arrived slightly undercooked and underwhelming. In fairness, it was opening week.
But on our second trip — one so gluttonous and deranged it spoiled our appetite for Thanksgiving the next day — we realized we’d made a fatal mistake.
You come to Immigrant Son for the langos. Fluffy and savory, this Hungarian street food staple, bread dough dropped in the fryer instead of the oven, is simple in execution but exquisite in result.
We first encountered it lightly salted on the La Famille ($28) charcuterie board, a presentation of six meats such as Leoncini ham and Iberico chorizo and six cheeses, including manchengo and tellagio.
Already stuffed, out came some of the best octopus ($15) I’ve had since visiting Croatia. Sous vided and blackened, the crunchy tentacles were buttery, meaty and paired with Spanish chorizo, smoked almond romesco and more.
Soldiering on didn’t take much convincing once the gaucho steak fries (market price) — sliced, rare and drizzled with bright-green chimichurri — hit the table. Again, we danced with langos. The Hun-
Langos, or fried dough, is one of many odes to owner Andrew Revy’s Hungarian parents.
garian Burger ($16) offered one of the night’s best bites thanks to a fried dough bun soaked in wagyu burger juices, smoked tomato aioli and crème fraiche. I apologize to all the doughnut burgers lovers I’ve berated. I get it now.
The chicken paprikash ($24) is a flagship entree for the Hungarian-leaning joint. Revy knows the dish elicits strong opinions. You probably have a preference between spaetzle and egg noodles. You probably think your grandmother does it better. I think you’re probably wrong. This hearty, creamy-not-soupy take with house-made spaetzle and succulent chicken was a highlight of the evening.
“It really is a perfect dish that makes this Hungarian very proud,” says Revy.
Fifteen hours after finishing a dessert of beer apple crisp ($7), I saw the disappointed look on my mother’s face as I arrived to Thanksgiving in stretchy pants to accommodate a food hangover that would also make Revy proud.
Despite a rocky start, the brewery offers something for both adventurous diners and safe ones. Comfortable spaces like this, which strive for more than triedand-true burgers and pretzels, can only expand Cleveland’s palate.
As for my gripes with the restaurant, I’ll hand off to Anthony Bourdain, who once said “an ounce of sauce covers a multitude of sins.”
In this case, that sauce is creamy and full of paprika.
Restaurants
Visit Our Online Restaurant Listings @ clevelandmagazine.com
dining guide
KEY TO SYMBOLS //
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
PATIO (SEASONAL)
A CLEVELAND INDEPENDENTS
RESTAURANT 2021 SILVER SPOON
AWARD WINNER
AVERAGE ENTREE //
$ : under $8 $$ : $8-$16 $$$ : $17-$24 $$$$ : over $24
NEW! Indicates new to our listings
UPDATED These listings have been recently updated by an editor to offer additional insight into a restaurant and its menu.
Have dining news or a restaurant you’d like to have considered for publication?
mail to:
Cleveland Magazine, The Dish, 1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 730, Cleveland, OH 44115 Email: thedish@clevelandmagazine.com Fax: 216-781-6318
[ downtown ]
Adega
mediterranean
2017 E Ninth St, 216-239-1200. Located in The 9, the high-end hotel and residence complex in the former
Ameritrust building, this modern restaurant features flavors from Italy, Spain and Greece. H T P S $$$$
Barrio mexican
503 Prospect Ave, 216-862-4652. The taco, tequila and whiskey joint offers two ways to order tacos: Build your own from a list of house-made ingredients or order from nine chef-suggested options. H P S $-$$
Betts Restaurant american
2000 E Ninth St, 216-357-2680. Located on the ground floor of the Kimpton Schofield Hotel. Chef Rob Stauch crafts an American menu for lunch and dinner, weekday breakfast and weekend brunch. H P $$-$$$$
Blue Point Grille seafood
700 W St Clair Ave, 216-875-7827. This Warehouse District staple has been voted one of Cleveland’s best seafood restaurants 21 years running. Serves fresh seafood and thick steaks. H S $$$$
NEW! BrewDog Cleveland BrewpuB 1956 Carter Road, 216-367-2494. This brewery from
Scotland offers more than 30 craft beers and a hearty gastropub menu along the river in the Flats. H S $$$$
City Pop Sushi japanese
1816 E 12th St, 216-465-1114. This downtown spot offers traditional rolls as well as modern takes such as a cheesteak or a prosciutto and bacon roll. $ NEW! Double Nickel
Breakfast
1918 E Sixth St, 216-861-4199. This breakfast, lunch and brunch spot opened in the former Murano and Procelli’s space in the Leader building. Try the 24K Pancakes where a gold leaf sits next to flowers and strawberries. H $
Emperor’s Palace chinese
2136 Rockwell Ave, 216-861-9999. With a decadent red and gold interior, this restaurant serves dim sum all day and has an extensive menu featuring Cantonese and Szechuan dishes. H T $$
Flat Iron Cafe irish
1114 Center St, 216-696-6968. Those seeking a classic
Irish public house need look no further than Cleveland’s oldest Irish pub. The 111-year-old spot offers burgers, Lake
Erie perch, daily specials including meatloaf and happy hour specials Mon-Fri 3-6 p.m. P $$
Gillespie’s Map Room american
1281 W Ninth St, 216-621-7747. Casual, old-school pub serving pizza, sandwiches, salad and more. Don’t miss out on 20 beers on draft and more than 90 bottles. P $$
Green Rooster Farms sandwiches
2033 E 14th St, 216-862-7557. Scott Kuhn‘s spot focuses on salads, soups and sandwiches such as the Gobbler made with rotisserie turkey, lettuce, heirloom tomatoes,
Middlefield cheddar, local bacon and herb aioli on multigrain bread. H P $$
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse steaks
123 W Prospect Ave, 216-344-2444. Casual yet sophisticated dining, serving prime aged beef, chops and fresh seafood. Connected to the Ritz-Carlton and the Renaissance
Cleveland hotels. H T $$$$
Johnny’s Downtown french/italian
1406 W Sixth St, 216-623-0055. Northern Italian, French and Continental cuisine served in an elegant atmosphere. H T P $$$$
Lago
italian
1091 W 10th St, 216-862-8065. Located below the
Aloft Cleveland Downtown hotel, this former Tremont restaurant features a Northern Italian menu including pasta, sandwiches, salads and pizzas. H T P C S
$$$-$$$$ Mabel’s BBQ BarBecue
2050 E Fourth St, 216-417-8823. Celebrity chef Michael
Symon brings his own version of Eastern Europeaninfluenced barbecue to the heart of downtown Cleveland.
Look for platters of meat smoked low and slow, and a ballpark mustard-based sauce made with cider vinegar, local maple syrup and hot chilies. H P S $$$
Mallorca portuguese/spanish
1390 W Ninth St, 216-687-9494. Specializing in Spanish and Portuguese cuisine that breaks free of the tired meat and potato dishes. Fresh fish arrives four days a week and stars in most entrees. H T P C S $$$-$$$$
Marble Room
seafood/steakhouse
623 Euclid Ave, 216-523-7000. Located in the historic
Garfield Building, the restaurant boasts 40-foot ceilings, chandeliers and grand staircases. The menu is a decadent mix of sushi, seafood and steaks. H T S $$$$
The Nauti Mermaid seafood
1378 W Sixth St, 216-771-6175. A relaxed Warehouse
District spot with an eclectic menu heavy on seafood, from live lobster to littleneck clams to shrimp quesadillas. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7 p.m. H P $$$
Osteria di Valerio & Al italian
1801 E Ninth St, 216-685-9490. A white-tablecloth restaurant tucked away in a cozy Warehouse District spot.
Traditional and contemporary Tuscan and Piedmontese cuisine. H T $$$-$$$$
Otani Noodle japanese
234 Euclid Ave, 216-762-1815. The popular Uptown noodle shop brings its ramen and noodle bowls to downtown Cleveland. H $$
Pizza (216) italian
401 Euclid Ave, 216-741-7992. A menu of brick-oven pizzas expands to include small plates such as Italian nachos — fried pasta noodles topped with house-made cheese sauce and pizza toppings. H $$
Primo African Quisine african
2123 E Second St, 216-400-6207. In the former 2nd and
High space, this new eatery brings West African cuisine such as thiep and diallo, a take on spaghetti with an omlet on top, to the Arena District. H $$
Rebol american/mexican
101 Superior Ave, 216-505-5898. The cafe in Public
Square features lunches such as keto taco supreme and breakfast sandwiches. H P $-$$
Red, the Steakhouse american
417 Prospect Ave, 216-664-0941. Look for prime steaks, pastas and seafood in a classic, yet modern presentation.
Private dining for 10 to 120 guests is available. H T P S $$$$
Republic Food & Drink american
1425 Euclid Ave, 216-400-7133. Scott Kuhn and Chris
Hodgson opened this upscale pub with an old-school feel in Playhouse Square. Grab a drink before the show with more than 40 cocktails and bourbon flights. You’ll find burgers, steaks and more. H T P $$$
Rusty Anchor at the Music Box seafood
1148 Main Ave, 216-242-1250. Located on the first floor of the Music Box Supper Club, this restaurant features steaks and seafood such as the whole stuffed Caribbean lobster with Brie cream and spices. H T P $$$
Saigon vietnamese
2061 E Fourth St, 216-344-2020. The menu’s lunch and dinner specialties include pho and vermicelli as well as an extensive wine and drink menu. H T P $$
/ OPENINGS / BrewDog Cleveland 1956 Carter Road, Cleveland, 216-367-2494 • Cents Pizza & Goods 5010 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-862-6427 • Double Nickel 1852 E Sixth St., Cleveland, 216-331-2261 • Pub Frato 25 Pleasant Drive, Chagrin Falls, 440-8672441 • Schnitz Ale Brewery 5729 Pearl Road, Parma, 440-340-4353 • The Spot on Lakeshore 727 Lakeshore Blvd., 440-510-8504
american
1360 E Ninth St, 216-696-2233. The former Cafe Sausalito, which moves from the Galleria at Erieview to the
IMG Building, offers updated lunch and dinner menus. Try the blackened salmon with roasted fingerling potatoes, blistered tomato and artichoke ragout. H T P $$$
Sittoo’s lebanese
1625 Euclid Ave, 216-331-3826. Rabee and Grace Shahin opened this cafe-style Lebanese restaurant in Playhouse Square. Try the Sittoo’s Combo with shish kabob, kafta kabob, chicken shawarma and falafel. H $
Society Lounge american
2063 E Fourth St, Lower Level, 216-781-9050. This downstairs lounge reminiscent of the Prohibition era serves up 11 different drinks from a vintage cocktail bar and offers upscale tapas with Italian and American influences. H T $$
Souper Market
soup house
1900 E Sixth St, 216-795-5500. Warm up with an expansive rotating list of soups such as chicken paprikash, jambalaya, potato spinach and swiss and vegan tomato ginger. S $$
Southern Tier Brewing Co. brewpub
811 Prospect Ave E, 440-484-4045. The popular Lakewood, New York, brewery brings its beers to downtown
Cleveland with a two-level taproom, brewery and restaurant. The menu includes a few dishes infused with beer, including pizzas made with the brewery’s Nu Skool IPA.
Wash it all down with more than 30 brews on tap. H P $$-$$$
Sung’s House japanese
1507 Euclid Ave, 216-696-7655. This Theater District spot serves up authentic Japanese and Korean dishes such as bibimbap, rice with mixed vegetables served in a hot stone bowl, plus traditional and inventive sushi rolls. H T $$
Taza Lebanese Grill
lebanese
1400 W Sixth St, 216-274-1170. The second location of this upscale version of Aladdin’s Eatery has a cozy interior and decorative drapery. The menu spans Lebanese cuisine with fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Each meal starts with fresh pita bread. Full bar. Open for lunch and dinner with takeout and catering service. H P $$
Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. brewpub
1085 Old River Road, 216-523-1501. The popular Akron brewery opens a brewpub in the Flats East Bank with 34 taps with brewed-on-site beer. You’ll find a menu of upscale pub fare such as pretzel-crusted chicken. H P $$
Tomo Sushi Bar & Hibachi Restaurant japanese
1293 W Ninth St, 216-696-4444. With five floors and more than 100 tables, this restaurant offers plenty of sushi and hibachi options. Specials include half-off sushi on Mon,
Wed and Sun and a happy hour every day from 5-7:30 p.m. P T $$$
Turn Bar & Kitchen american
Ritz-Carlton Cleveland, 1515 W Third St, 216-902-5255.
The dishes here pay homage to Cleveland, including the
Hungary poached eggs and grilled beef fillet with paprika sausage, paprikash and mustard cream. H T $$$$
Yours Truly american
1228 Euclid Ave, 216-621-2700. A family-friendly diner from the local chain. Located in the Halle Building, the two-story restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Don’t leave without a plate of the cheesy notso fries. H P S $-$$
Zaytoon Lebanese Kitchen lebanese
1150 Huron Road E, 216-795-5000. This restaurant from
David Ina returns to Playhouse Square with a flattop griddle, rolled pita wraps, burgers and chicken sandwiches. H P S $-$$
/ QUICK BITE / GREEN KITCHEN AT LITTLE ROSE TAVERN
❱❱ STICK ME IN A DIVE BAR with a Miller High Life if you want to convince me to eat vegan food. And darnit, that’s exactly what chef John Hagerty did. After working at kitchens like Forage, Flying Fig and Lola, Hagerty earned a following at Winchester Music Tavern for his Vegan Monday nights. But he burned out and nearly became a welder before Little Rose Tavern offered up its space for a popup. After a full kitchen renovation, Hagerty decided to stay for good. The West Park dive is the type of place you’d expect to grab a burger and pray for the game to end before the punk band kicks off a number. And boy can you — even if WHEN YOU GO that smash burger ($13) is an Impossible patty loaded with housemade seasoning and served with tater tots. Green Kitchen at Little Some of the Winchester favorites made their way to Rose Tavern 14206 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, 216-331-1441 greenkitchen216.com West Park, too, such as the Mac ‘n’ Cheeze ($11) with cashew cheddar sauce, cavatappi, fried onions and scallions. Anyone who hangs out at Hagerty’s former Lakewood home will also recognize the crispy cauliflower wings ($8). What surprised us most was the seasonal cheese cake ($8), which was elegantly designed and totally sneaky with its rich and creamy flavor — that is, until we found out you can add fresh grated black truffle to any dish for $10. Name another dive that does that. // DILLON STEWART
[ east side ]
#1 Pho
vietnamese
3120 Superior Ave, Cleveland, 216-781-1176. Authentic
Vietnamese cuisine in a casual atmosphere with signature pho, more than 10 vegetarian selections and Vietnamese coffee. Open daily 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. S $$
17 River Grille american
17 River St, Chagrin Falls, 440-893-0797. Rick Doody, owner of Lindey’s Lakehouse and Cedar Creek Grille, opened this kitchen of American fare in the former Jekyll’s
Kitchen space near the falls. H T P S $$$
Alfredo’s at the Inn italian
780 Beta Drive, Mayfield Village, 440-449-4833. Old
World charm and made-from-scratch entrees of Italian classics like pasta and meatball subs are found in this contemporary, alluring setting. H T P $$-$$$
Amba
indian
1975 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-650-9620. This ghost kitchen concept from Douglas Katz features the chef’s take on Indian food. The takeout- and delivery-only menu has plenty of notable dishes such as the chicken masala and chickpea fritters. S $$
Ball Ball Waffle asian
2999 Payne Ave, Cleveland, 216-282-3834. Aldous Lau brings egg waffles, also known as bubble waffles, a popular Hong Kong street food, to his new AsiaTown eatery. Try sweet and savory options including cheese, chocolate, seaweed or salty egg. H $
Ballantine american/gastropub
4113 Erie St, Willoughby, 440-942-5151. Creative, upscale pub menu offers something for everyone, with a focus on steaks and pizzas. Nearly 25 beers available on tap and 15 wines by the bottle and 15 wines by the glass. H T P $$$-$$$$
Ohio City BBQ
/ BEST THINGS WE ATE THIS MONTH /
MAMA ROBERTO’S CHICKEN MARSALA ($17) The pandemic’s takeout trend led me to Mama Roberto’s succulent chicken cutlet bathed in wine sauce. Fellow mushroom lovers, these ‘shrooms are at least an inch across. My only gripe is its generous serving of salad is somehow eaten by the rest of the family before I get to it. Darn herbivores. 8658 Mentor Ave., Mentor, 440-205-8890, mamarobertos.com
// BECKY BOBAN
SAKANA SUSHI BAR AND LOUNGE’S SHRIMP LO MEIN ($9) While on the hunt for a new sushi bar near my place, I ended up having an impromptu dinner at this Rocky River spot. I was craving a roll at first, but the crab rangoon ($7) delivered the perfect crunch. Thankfully, I had room for the enormous plate of stir-fried noodles mixed with peppers, dripping in brown sauce and cooked shrimp. 19300 Detroit Road, Rocky River, 440-857-0700, sakanacleveland.com // ARBELA CAPAS
OHIO CITY BBQ’S POLISH BOY ($8) Only thing better than a Polish boy? A Polish boy covered in Ohio City BBQ’s decadent, homemade barbecue sauce. This bunned monstrosity features a kielbasa topped with french fries and coleslaw. Pro tip: You’ll need a napkin. 3829 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, 216-417-5987, ohiocitybbq.com
// HENRY PALATTELLA
HAIL MARY’S NASHVILLE
CHICKEN SANDWICH ($12.99)
Chicken sandwiches are still having a moment, and it’s hard to beat this tempura-battered fried chicken topped with cheddar cheese, pickles, lettuce and tomato. Claim one of five cozy tables near the bar or head to the heated patio. 27828 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, 440-385-7811, hailmaryswestlake.com
american
426 South St, Chardon, 440-285-3100. Casual, sophisticated dining amid warm wood paneling, comfortable decor and fireplaces. Menu features steaks, fresh seafood, hearty appetizers and desserts. H T P $$-$$$
Beckham’s B&M Barbecue barbecue
21921 Miles Road, North Randall, 216-475-8720. This restaurant serves Southern-inspired dishes such as fried okra, collard greens, fried chicken, ribs and sweet potato pie. H $-$$
Bell & Flower american
86 N Main St, Chagrin Falls, 440-600-7755. Restaurateurs Michael Schwartz and Shawn and Tiffany Monday bring an American sensibility to Chagrin Falls. Guests can find options such as Nashville chicken wings, ahi tuna poke bowls and pan-roasted local chicken. H $$$
Black Box Fix creole
25359 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst, 216-675-3129. The menu includes Louisiana-style sandwiches and burgers such as the Famous OMG Philly made with seasoned grilled chicken, sauteed mushrooms, onions and peppers along with melted Swiss cheese and Creole grilled shrimp. H $$
Bo Loong chinese
3922 St Clair Ave, Cleveland, 216-391-3113. Specializing in fresh seafood and authentic Asian cuisine with some of the city’s best dim sum. H T $$
Bodega american/mediterranean
1854B Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-9323060. Swanky restaurant and lounge featuring hot and cold tapas, 30 different kinds of martinis and 40 wines. H T P $$$$
Boss Dog Brewing Co.
brewpub
2179 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-2337. With craft beers such as the Holy Toledo pilsner, Rubber City stout and Put-N-Berry, this new brewery also offers a menu full of small plates and entrees. Try the pork schnitzel with herb dijon drizzle. H T P $$$ seafood
Chimi latin american
1975 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-932-3333. This ghost kitchen and takeout and delivery spot from Douglas Katz focuses on South American small plates such as peanut salsa, sweet potato hummus and shortrib barbacoa with adobo aioli and pickled chile slaw. S $$
Choolaah indian
27100 Chagrin Blvd, Orange Village, 216-350-3136.
This fast-casual concept uses upscale ingredients and the ancient cooking techniques of the tandoor oven to make
Indian cuisine for plates, bowls and sandwiches. H P $$
The Chop House Restaurant & Bar eclectic
9519 E Market St, Warren, 330-856-2121. Eclectic, elegant setting overlooking Avalon Lakes Golf Course. Dinner only. H T P $$-$$$
Cilantro Taqueria mexican
2783 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland Heights, 216-3313069. This authentic Mexican taqueria is known for its bursting-at-the-seams burritos, fresh ingredients and traditional toppings, such as la lengua and birria. Don’t miss $1 off tacos on Tue. H T P $$
Citizen Pie italian
15710 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-417-2742. Chef
Vytauras Sasnauskas serves wood-fired Neapolitan red and white pizzas including the Little Italy with mozzarella,
Italian sausage, red pepper, red onion, basil and oregano and the Mushroom with mozzarella, brie, Porcini Duxelles, bacon, red onion and truffle oil. H $$
The Crispy Chick american/sandwiches
5618 Woodland Ave, Cleveland, 216-331-4700. This fast-food joint doubles down on the fried chicken craze with tenders, wings and sandwiches. A minority-owned business, the owner’s mission is to enrich an area lacking wholesome, fresh and affordable food. H $
american/contemporary
16783 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge, 440-384-3035.
This upscale tavern focuses on making homestyle comfort food from scratch using skillets and wood-fired ovens. H P $$-$$$$
Dino’s Restaurant & Bar american/italian
1200 E 305th St, Willowick, 440-944-4600. For more than 50 years, this family-owned business has been serving customers house-made pastas and a variety of steak, chicken and seafood dishes. T $$-$$$
Don Tequila mexican
9439 Mentor Ave, Mentor, 440-205-1688. Visit one of this local chain’s six locations for authentic Mexican dishes such as burritos, tamales, enchiladas and fajitas. H $$
Edwins Too french/mediterranean
13220 Shaker Square, Cleveland, 216-400-6091.
Opening in the former Fire Food & Drink spot in Shaker
Square, this fine-dining, prix-fixe restaurant from Brandon
Chrostowski features three-, five- or seven-course meals ranging between $55-$95. H T S $$$$
El Taco Macho mexican
1613 Mentor Ave, Painesville, 440-350-8226. While you’ll find tasty options such as the poblano taco with roasted chile poblanos, cheese and carne asada, there are more than just tacos, including tortas and gorditas. H $$
The Fairmount Cocktail Bar american
2448 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland Heights, 216-229-9463.
Extensive wine, beer, martini and craft cocktail lists accompany lighter fare. Cozy setting including fireplace and courtyard with grill menu. H P S C $$
Falafel Cafe mediterranean
11454 Uptown Ave, Cleveland, 216-381-1591. Mae and
Hani Elassal’s beloved Mediterranean restaurant features longtime favorites such as falafel, chicken shawarma and shish tawook served over a fattoush salad. H $$
Felice Urban Cafe new american
12502 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, 216-791-0918. This remodeled 20th-century home-turned-restaurant offers polished and casual American and global cuisine with an intimate dining room. H T P C S $$$-$$$$
Guarino’s Restaurant italian
12309 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, 216-231-3100. Family owned since 1918, Little Italy’s oldest restaurant serves traditional Italian fare. H T P $$-$$$
Happy Moose american
7693 Reynolds Road, Mentor, 440-953-9464. Casual dining in a sports-themed restaurant that serves more than 6,000 wings a month. H P $$
The Haunted House Restaurant american
13463 Cedar Road, 216-862-5584. This quirky restaurant is a popular spot for horror movie fans with a themed menu of specials such as 51-ounce smoky haunted potion bowls and an all-day breakfast and dinner menu. H T $$
Hibachi Japan Steak House japanese
6025 Kruse Drive, Suite 120, Solon, 440-600-2048. This popular concept lets guests watch chefs cook meals in front of them on open grill tops. H $$-$$$
Hola Tacos mexican
12718 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, 216-938-9301. This family-owned Mexican restaurant expands to the East Side with assorted tacos and quesos. H S $$
Inn on Coventry american
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland Heights, 216-3711811. Established in 1981, this cozy restaurant features home cooking that includes all-day breakfast including options such as lemon ricotta pancakes. H $
Kantina american
11303 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 216-231-1079. This kosher restaurant on Case Western Reserve University’s campus has a range of dishes such as burgers, falafel and a chicken schnitzel sandwich. H T P $
french
11401 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, 216-791-7880. This intimate French brasserie from chef Zack Bruell features rustic, hearty cuisine and an award-winning cheese board. H T P C S $$$
Mama Santa’s
italian
12301 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, 216-421-2159.
Hearty portions of Sicilian cooking at bargain prices.
Choose from pizza, veal parmigiana and house-made pastas. H $$-$$$
Otani Noodle japanese
11472 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 216-862-1400. This Univeristy Circle spot is known for its noodle bowls, such as the char-siu with pork belly, noodles, corn, mushrooms, scallions and special seasonings. T $$
NEW! Pub Frato italian 25 Pleasant Dr, Chagrin Falls, 440-600-7029. This popular
Concord gastropub opened its second location in Chagrin
Falls with a patio and extensive beer list. H T P $$
NEW! The Spot on Lakeshore american 7272 Lakeshore Blvd, Mentor, 440-510-8504. Chef Zachary Bond brings an upscale breakfast and lunch menu to the former Lakeshore Eatery spot. Here, he offers immigrant-inspired skillets and grab-and-go bites. H $$
Szechuan Cafe chinese
2999 Payne Ave, Cleveland, 216-515-1111. This restaurant specializes in Sichuan cuisine such as double-cooked pulled pork with dried bean curd. Try the spicy sauteed kidney or tofu with broccoli. $$
Taste of Kerala indian
3429 W Brainard Road No 260, Woodmere Village, 216450-1711. Here, you’ll find Southern Indian cuisine such as dosa, samosas, lamb curry and goat biryani as well as plenty of vegetarian options. T $$-$$$
vegetarian
1824 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-3217757. Although meat is on the menu at this Cleveland
Heights spot, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes draw a clientele as diverse as the food. Customer favorites include spinach pies, hummus, milkshakes and veggie burgers. H S $$
Umami asian
42 N Main St, Chagrin Falls, 440-247-8600. This New
York-style Asian-fusion bistro reopened with limited dine-in seating and an ever-changing menu that includes sashimi. H T C $$$
Zhug
mediterranean/middle eastern
12413 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-862-2508. Chef and owner Douglas Katz focuses on shareable plates that are big on flavor. Try the curried lamb and apricot hummus or the smoked octopus served with potatoes drizzled in saffron and olive oil. H S $$
[ west side ]
Alea
mediterranean
2912 Church Ave, Cleveland, 216-912-8890. This seasonal, contemporary Mediterranean restaurant boasts a small menu with flavorful dishes such as grilled oysters and a pork rib chop with celeriac puree and roasted grapes. H $$$-$$$$
Bar Cento italian
1948 W 25th St, Cleveland, 216-274-1010. Bar Cento, from the Italian word for 100, serves a Roman-inspired
Italian menu as well as more than 30 beers and 25 wines from around the world. Located in a historic Ohio City building. H T P $$
japanese
2173 Professor Ave, Cleveland, 216-713-1741. Owner and head chef Matthew Spinner reinvents the former
Ushabu space into a Japanese yakitori bar specializing in skewers and small plates. Don’t miss out on daily specials such as deep-fried pork katsu dinners on Wednesdays and one-pound jumbo wings on Sundays. H T $-$$
Barroco Arepa Bar latin
12906 Madison Ave, Lakewood, 216-221-8127. This spot offers authentic Colombian street food prepared while diners look on. Expect Cuban sandwiches and arepas, a form of South American corn tortilla sandwich. H P S $$-$$$
Cabin Club Steakhouse steaks
30651 Detroit Road, Westlake, 440-899-7111. Thick, juicy steaks are the main attraction. Fine dining in an authentic log cabin with a casual yet upscale atmosphere, fresh seafood, daily features and an award-winning wine list. T S $$$-$$$$
NEW! Cents Pizza & Goods italian 5010 Lorain Ave, 216-862-6427. Inspired by Roberta’s in New York City, this modern pizza joint features sleek, pink-hued and purposeful decor and a menu of wood-fired pizzas with quality ingredients. H P $$-$$$
Cafe Tandoor indian
30030 Detroit Road, Westlake, 440-835-7999. Authentic northern Indian cuisine with tandoori specialties, vegetarian and nonvegetarian curry dishes and freshly baked breads. H T P S $$-$$$
Casa american/contemporary
26926 Cook Road, Olmsted Township, 440-782-9030.
This homegrown pizza joint has eight kinds of pie and Casa bulldogs — stuffed dough, baked and topped with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese. Try funky American-style pies such as the bacon cheeseburger pizza. H $$
Exceptional Dentistry Dr. Pyke and his staff make going to the dentist for Exceptional People a good experience. The entire office is set up to make a person feel relaxed. They are very knowledgeable and explain the procedures. Going to the dentist is not one of my favorite things to do, but I feel comfortable coming to Dr. Pyke.
Michelle H.
As always my son ( 5 years old ) and I had an amazing experience. Dr. Pyke and his staff are very professional and extremely nice. My wife and I have been coming here for over 10 years and started bringing my son and daughter this past year. We live in Hinckley and make the 45 minute drive because of the trust that has been built with the staff. I have referred a couple of family members and will continue to do so. Thank you.
John H.
My experience is always great when I come here. That’s a lot to be said for a dentist office. Everyone is always so friendly and the office is spotless.
John Pyke Dentistry Offers a Full Array of Dental Restorative Services:
Sheri H.
As always your staff almost makes it a pleasure to come here. Actually this is the nicest dental office I have ever been to. • Bonding • CAD/CAM Dentistry • Cosmetic Contouring • Cosmetic Denistry • Crowns and Bridges • Dental Implant
Crowns • Extractions • Implant Supported
Dentures • Jaw/TMJ Therapy • Root Canal Therapy • Scaling and Root
Planing • Tooth Colored Fillings • Sealants • Veneers • Whitening
Awarded Top Dentist At John Pyke Dentistry, You and Your Family Can Expect: Year After Year Since 2007! The Best Dental Care on Cleveland’s West Side Our efficient, paperless office offers everything from digital radiography (which reduces radiation An Experienced Team Dedicated to Your Oral Health by 90%), a diode soft tissue lasar for painless, and Overall Comfort blood-free soft tissue management and purified water in all lines. 440.933.2549 A State-of-the-Art Dental Office We also have a convenient interactive website that 33399 Walker Rd., Suite D Avon Lake, OH A Full Array of Dental Services to Help You Maintain allows patients to access an informaiton library, make appointments online and more. www.avonlakedental.com Healthy Teeth and a Healthy Body
Our State-of-the-Art Office Provides Eco-Friendly Comfort and Ambiance
sandwiches
26703 Brookpark Road Extension, North Olmsted, 440-455-1205. This rustic family-run eatery specializes in massive bagel sandwiches. Try the pizza bagels or the grilled turkey, salami, fried egg, provolone and onion bagel sandwich. H S $
Dang Good Foods asian
13735 Madison Ave, Lakewood, 216-785-9321. This restaurant from Daniel Ang builds off its former food truck with an assortment of rice wraps, steam buns, noodles and more. H $$
El Rinconcito Chapin latin
3330 Broadview Road, Cleveland, 216-795-5776. This
Old Brooklyn spot serves traditional Guatemalan street food. Look for chuchitos, Guatemalan-style tamales filled with chicken; and dobladitas, crispy chicken-filled turnovers. H $$
Fahrenheit
american
2417 Professor Ave, Cleveland, 216-781-8858. Chef and owner Rocco Whalen puts forth a menu of eclectic appetizers, pastas, entrees and specialty pizzas in a smart, stylish setting. Come here for the popular kobe beef short ribs, which are served with teriyaki lo-mein noodles, bok choy, roasted mushrooms, ginger and a soy-apple glaze. H T P S C $$$$
Ginko
japanese
2247 Professor Ave, Cleveland, 216-274-1202. Dante
Boccuzzi adds modern flair to traditional Japanese dining in the basement of his namesake restaurant, Dante.
Fish is flown in for the menu that includes a sushi bar, appetizers, desserts, shabu-shabu and daily specials. The bar offers sake and sake cocktails. S $$$$
Half Moon Bakery latin
3460 W 25th St, Cleveland, 216-772-2499. This husband-and-wife-owned West Side bakery is stocked with cupcakes, flan, personal cakes and more than a dozen creative takes on empanadas. Try the Columbiana empanada, which comes in a corn flour shell stuffed with shredded chicken and a side of avocado aji. H $-$$
Heart Of Gold american
4133 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, 216-938-8711. Located in the former Plum spot, this restaurant zeroes in on gourmet fast-casual fare with plump chicken drums, grab-and-go
Lunchables and a smash burger with maggi mayo, American cheese, sweet onion and dill pickle. P $$
Il Rione Pizzeria italian
1303 W 65th St, Cleveland, 216-282-1451. You’ll find plenty of pizza pies on the menu at this Gordon Square
Arts District restaurant. While you can build your own from 11 toppings, such as prosciutto and Calabrian chilies, give one of the six suggested pizzas a spin. Try the sausage pie with red sauce, mozzarella, roasted peppers, sauteed onions, garlic and Parmesan. H P S $$
Jukebox american
1404 W 29th St, Cleveland, 216-206-7699. While the focus here is on the music, with a jukebox featuring a monthly rotating playlist, the Hingetown bar also has a menu full of pierogies and sandwiches. H P $
LBM new american
12301 Madison Ave, Lakewood, 216-712-4692. The
Norse-inspired cocktail bar offers snacks and small plates such as curried cauliflower or a burger with herb goat cheese, arugula, roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions and house-made ketchup. T $$
La Bodega deli
869 Jefferson Ave, Cleveland, 216-621-7075. It takes two people to eat one of the overstuffed gourmet sandwiches at this funky little Tremont sandwich shop, which offers the popular No. 45, which includes turkey with Cajun mayo, hot sauce, bacon, Jack cheese and jalapenos. Wash it all down with specialty teas and sodas. P $-$$
/ WORD OF MOUTH /
MICHAEL SCHOEN
EUGENE’S
❱❱ HE WANTED TO COOK WHAT HE ATE. That’s why, after working as executive chef at Chicago’s Belgian-inspired Hopleaf Bar and downtown Willoughby’s Sol, Michael Schoen decided to open a burger joint in 2019. Located inside BottleHouse Brewery and Mead Hall in Lakewood, Eugene’s slings the Tinman Burger, a classic cheeseburger with special sauce and a cult following. When he’s not dropping fries, here’s where chef likes to eat. // DILLON STEWART
Burgers: “Stevenson’s Bar & Grill in Euclid influenced what I’m doing now. They started the smash burger thing in Cleveland and still do it best as far as I’m concerned.”
Italian: “What Matt Mytro’s doing at Flour Restaurant in Moreland Hills is special. His pasta and pizza is all from scratch, uses amazing ingredients and is super consistent.” Fine Dining: “The Pompadour is a little joint in Fairport Harbor that’s blowing people away across Cleveland.” Chef Who’s Inspiring Me: “What Doug Katz is doing at Zhug in Cleveland Heights hits the nail on the head. He’s probably the most polished chef in Cleveland.”
Landmark Smokehouse
contemporary
11633 Clifton Blvd, Cleveland, 216-230-4040. Constantine Katsaros and Jack Messer bring Montreal-style smoked meats to the West Side. Try the smoked meat tray piled with brisket, pulled pork and turkey. H S $-$$
Market american
1137 Linda St, Rocky River, 440-799-4292. The attitude here is playful with a modern rustic decor that emulates an upscale pub and dishes that include tuna avocado spring rols. The bar also offers 24 beers on tap.
Sun brunch. H T P $$-$$$
Opal on Pearl contemporary
4250 Pearl Road, Cleveland, 216-417-2030. Tony Mellon opens this new spot in the former Drink Bar & Grill space with a focus on shareable small plates such as stuffed dates filled with chorizo, bacon and honey. H $-$$
Parallax Restaurant & Lounge seafood
2179 W 11th St, Cleveland, 216-583-9999. Fresh seafood, innovative preparations and sushi bar. Grilled steak, duck and chicken also available. Full bar and extensive wine list. H T P C $$$-$$$$
Rosewood Grill american
2033 Crocker Road, Westlake, 440-835-9500. Hospitality Restaurant Group opens its third location of the casual
American restaurant. Choose from cuisine straight from its stone oven such as steaks, flatbreads and fresh fish daily on a rotating seasonal menu. H T P $$$
Salt contemporary
17625 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 216-221-4866. Look for composed small plates with a focus on farm-to-table ingredients by chef Jill Vedaa. H S $$
Terrestrial Brewing Co. contemporary
7524 Father Frascati Drive, Cleveland, 216-465-9999.
Penny Barend Tagliarina, formerly of Saucisson, delivers a rotating menu each week featuring a variety of brunch entrees and appetizers, bar snacks and more. Don’t miss a number of craft brews made in house. H P $$
Twisted Taino
caribbean/latin
1400 W 25th St, Cleveland, 216-310-5880. A modern take on traditional Caribbean food, you’ll find creative takes on empanadas as well as vegan options. H P C $$
Villa Y Zapata mexican
8505 Madison Ave, Cleveland, 216-961-4369. Authentic Mexican cuisine, relaxed dining, full bar with imported beers and great margaritas. H $$
West Side Market Cafe american
West Side Market, Lorain Avenue entrance, 1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, 216-579-6800. Market-fresh comfort foods in a casual, eclectic atmosphere. Open seven days a week. Sun brunch. Beer, wine and mimosas. H C $$ Whiskey Island Still and Eatery american 2800 Whiskey Island, Cleveland, 216-631-1800. Formerly
Sunset Grille, this lakefront restaurant offers bar food such as burgers, wraps and fresh perch that guests can enjoy while relaxing on picnic tables outside. H P $
Winking Lizard Tavern american
14018 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 216-226-6693. More than 100 kinds of beer make this local chain one of the best places to quaff a cold one. A full menu of pizza, burgers, sandwiches and creative entrees. P H S $$
Woodstock BBQ barbecue
13362 Madison Ave, Lakewood, 216-226-8828. The menu at this barbecue joint changes seasonally. Expect slow-smoked brisket, pork, ribs and jerk chicken. H P $$
XYZ the Tavern gastropub
6419 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 216-706-1104. Find tavern fare with comfort-style entrees alongside salads, share plates and sandwiches and a good beer bar with 24 craft beers and 100 whiskeys. P $$
Yard House american
160 Union St, Westlake, 440-808-8403. This restaurant offers 130 draft beers and an expansive menu featuring everything from Wisconsin fried cheese curds to Nashville hot chicken. H P $$-$$$
[ south side ]
Best Gyros
greek
10468 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-0066. You’ll find more than 15 different version of gyros such as the
Zorba Gyro with feta, Greek olives, lettuce, tomato and onion. The menu also includes breakfast and a variety of lunch and dinner items. H P $$
Cozumel Mexican Restaurant mexican
625 Pearl Road, Brunswick, 330-220-3335. Authentic
Mexican fare including fajitas, chimichangas, enchiladas rojas and flautas made with quality meats and fresh vegetables, house-made chips and salsa. H P $$
Delmonico’s Steakhouse steaks
6001 Quarry Lane, Independence, 216-573-1991. Hearken back to another time with steaks, Italian favorites and huge cocktails. Private dining available. Open for lunch Mon-Fri. H T P $$$$
Don’s Pomeroy House american
13664 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-572-1111. This 19th-century manor house restaurant, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, is known for its fresh seafood and steak. H P S C $$$$
Flip Side burgers
49 Village Way, Hudson, 330-655-3547. Burgers are the focus at Shawn Monday’s casual eatery, where patties are made from Ohio-raised, grass-fed beef. Try the popular
One Red Door burger with crispy shallots, melted brie and a date-applewood bacon aioli. H S $$
Gourmand’s Deli deli
5345 Canal Road, Valley View, 216-328-0942. More than 50 sandwiches, along with party trays and boxed lunches.
Full-service coffee shop with wine. H P $$
seafood
115 Montrose West Ave, Copley, 330-777-2005. Hospitality Restaurants debuts its latest restaurant in Copley.
With an Eastern coastal atmosphere, the menu celebrates seafood. Try the chilled seafood tower with oysters, shrimp cocktail, crab legs and smoked fish pate. H T
$$$-$$$$ Leo’s Italian Social italian
2251 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-400-4427. This new Italian restaurant offers an abundance of shareable plates, chef specials and eight different wood-fired pizzas in an open-concept dining room. H T P $$-$$$
The Oak Barrel american/gastropub
5975 Canal Road, Valley View, 216-520-3640. Chef
Fady Chamoun puts a twist on the gastropub by infusing his food with French influences. The menu offers something for everyone, such as chicken and waffles, openfaced pulled pork sandwiches, and vegan and vegetarian options. Sixteen craft beers are available on tap, plus an extensive wine and cocktail menu. H P $$$
Otani Restaurant and Pub japanese
180 W Streetsboro St, Hudson, 330-656-0012. A traditional steakhouse with a 10-seat Tokyo-style sushi bar. The mostly a la carte menu features handcrafted sushi rolls that can be tweaked to fit any preference. H $$-$$$
Ray’s Place american
135 Franklin Ave, Kent, 330-673-2233. Serving a full menu since 1937, the Kent landmark offers 64 draft beers and more than 100 bottled beers. H $-$$
Rosewood Grill american
36 E Streetsboro St, Hudson, 330-656-2100. Rosewood offers casual American cuisine straight from its stone oven.
Features steaks, flatbreads and fresh fish daily on a menu that rotates with the season. H T P $$$$
american
16740 Royalton Road, Strongsville, 440-783-5500. Rosewood Grill offers casual American cuisine straight from its wood-smoke grill. Features steak, flatbreads and fresh fish daily on a menu that rotates with the season. H P $$$$
Sakura Japanese Restaurant japanese
8409 Chippewa Road, Brecksville, 440-526-3300. An attractive setting for true Japanese fare, including teriyaki and tempura dishes, hibachi cooking and a sushi bar with ingredients flown in fresh from New York. Private parties available. H P $$$
Tinkers Creek Road Tavern american
14000 Tinkers Creek Road, Walton Hills, 216-642-3900.
A casual atmosphere in an intimate setting overlooking
Tinkers Creek. All food is made from scratch using local, seasonal ingredients. H P $$-$$$
Thyme2 Pub and Fine Dining contemporary
113 W Smith Road, Medina, 330-764-4114. The menu features contemporary American cuisine with worldly influences. Independently owned and operated by chef John
Kolar and his wife, Kathy. H T P C $$$$
Vaccaro’s Trattoria italian
1000 Ghent Road, Akron, 330-666-6158. You’ll find family recipes served with contemporary flair at this Akron mainstay. H T P $$$-$$$$
Yours Truly american
Signature Square, 3725 Medina Road, Medina, 330-7225800. A casual, family-friendly chain of diners that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. H P S $$
Zoup! Fresh Soup Co. american
6901 Rockside Road, Independence, 216-328-9300.
Twelve flavors of soup are offered daily as well as salads and cafe sandwiches served in a casual atmosphere. Catering and takeout are both available. H $$
RUFFING MONTESSORI SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
SATURDAY, JANUARY 22 • 12-2 PM
Admissions Open House for 18 months - 8th Grade
The High Life
After surviving a devastating loss, COVID-19 and more, Olmsted Falls pole vaulter Katie Nageotte got to taste Olympic gold last summer.
Written by Henry Palattella
KATIE NAGEOTTE
OLYMPIAN, 30
KATIE NAGEOTTE WAS never worried. Nervous? Maybe. Stressed? Absolutely. But worried? Never.
It’s easy to see how someone could think she was worried, though. With the entire world watching, Katie started her Olympic career Aug. 5 with two failed jumps in the opening round of the women’s pole vault. One more miss, and she would spend the rest of the day as an observer.
Some 6,000 miles away, Diane Nageotte was worried. Like, really worried. Katie’s mother was part of a group of 100-some family and friends who had gathered at Fat Little Buddies bar in Katie’s hometown of Olmsted Falls. Despite it being 6 a.m., the bar was filled with family and friends clad in red, white and blue, gathered to cheer on Katie.
But then she missed her first jump. And her second jump. Fat Little Buddies went silent.
As the patrons of her hometown bar sent up silent prayers, Nageotte relaxed. For the first time since she started warming up, her left leg finally felt normal. It was bad enough that she still hadn’t fully recovered from the food poisoning that had put her in the hospital two weeks earlier, but during her first two jumps her left quad felt tight.
At one point, she was afraid it would tear if she put too much pressure on it. But, as she prepared for her third jump, everything felt normal. And then, everything looked normal, as she easily cleared the 4.55-meter bar.
Back home, Diane let loose a deep sigh — it might’ve been the first breath she took all morning.
About an hour later, Diane and the bar patrons traded in those deep exhales for cheers of joy, as Katie cleared a jump of 4.90 meters — a height that guaranteed she’d end the Olympics on the podium. On her way back to the bench, Katie shouted “Cleveland, this is for you” into one of NBC’s cameras, an ode to LeBron James’ speech after winning the 2016 NBA championship.
It was a fitting homage. If LeBron is the King of Cleveland sports, that jump made Katie the Queen.
And everyone back home?
“The place just erupted,” Diane says.
Fifty-three days after that celebration, Katie Nageotte sits in Roasted Coffee Shop in Olmsted Falls. At a slender 5-foot-8, the 30-year-old looks every bit the part of an Olympic athlete — a sentiment that’s reinforced by the fact she’s decked out head to toe in Nike apparel, one of the perks of being sponsored by the swoosh. As she munches on her breakfast burrito, she pulls out her gold medal.
“Right now, I’m keeping it on my bookshelf because I don’t know where else to put it,” she says with a chuckle.
The journey for that gold medal started a mile away from Roasted at Olmsted Falls High School. It was there that a 12-year-old Katie joined the Bulldogs’ middle school track team and immediately gravitated toward pole vault. Neither Diane nor her husband, Mark, were surprised.
Diane and Mark quickly found themselves learning on the fly as the two of them alternated between driving Katie an hour west to Bellevue (the closest pole vault practice facility) two times a week for practice. While there, Mark tried to soak up as much knowledge as possible, whether that meant repeating what he heard one of Katie’s coaches say or volunteering at meets so he could learn more about the inner workings of track and field.
“He was super involved,” Katie says.
And then, at the beginning of her junior year, tragedy struck.
While out on a golf outing with his friends, Mark began feeling what he initially thought was a panic attack. Not long after he was loaded onto an ambulance, he went into full cardiac arrest and died of a heart attack.
After Mark’s death, Katie was lost. In the blink of an eye, her best friend and biggest supporter was gone. The grief truly set in a few weeks later, at her first golf lesson after her dad died. Katie had taken up lessons at his behest to learn his favorite game. With him not there, she broke down.
But instead of falling apart completely, Katie dedicated the last two years of her high school track and field career to her dad. In her final year with the Bulldogs, she rewrote Ohio’s record books, jumping a state record 3.97 meter (13 feet) — the school’s first state championship in the pole vault. Before every meet, she tapped the spot where she’d written her father’s name on her spikes.
Then, it was on to college.
Katie spent two years at the University of Dayton before transferring to Ashland University. While she had the talent to attend — and star — at most Division 1 programs, she knew she needed a smaller program. She was homesick and uncomfortable in Dayton and, when considering a transfer, Ashland University stood out.
And that’s exactly what she did. In her two years in the Eagles’ program, Katie won two NCAA Division II national championships.
From there, she entered the Wild West that is the world of professional track and field. With no league like the NFL or NBA to guide the sport, Katie’s future depended on her connecting with the right coach.
For two years, she lived in Knoxville, Tennessee, and worked with coach Roman Botcharnikov in preparation for the 2016 Olympic Trials, where she came in fifth — two spots away from qualifying for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Katie’s gut took her to the Pacific Northwest to work with former pole vaulter Brad Walker. From there, she followed Walker to Atlanta, where the two worked to prepare for the 2020 Olympics. At first, everything was going great, as Walker’s coaching helped Katie become the No. 1 pole vaulter in the
A Clevelander through and through, Katie shared her love for the 216 with the world after her Oylmpic win.
world going into 2020.
Then, in March 2020, Katie’s world, much like everyone else’s, shut down.
In the span of a week, she went from preparing for the 2020 Olympics to … nothing. For the first time since she was in middle school, her athletic life was stagnant. There were no tournaments, competitions or championships. There was just training.
For nearly a year, Katie holed up at her training facility in an abandoned warehouse outside Atlanta with Walker and fellow professional pole vaulters Robin Bone and Kristen Brown. For eight hours a day, Katie and her fellow vaulters practiced the fundamentals — something that can sometimes get lost in the grind of the competitive season.
“Being able to keep training was the best thing to happen to me,” she says.
But a COVID-19 diagnosis in December 2020 pushed training to the side. While her physical symptoms were mild and her fitness came back almost immediately, she needed months to recover from the mental toll. Between her lack of sharpness on the track and her inability to answer simple questions on Jeopardy!, Katie knew something was off.
In May, with the Olympic Trials less than a month away, Katie traveled to Ohio for a competition, and a chance to see friends and family. When she arrived back in Atlanta, she found herself in every pole vaulter’s worst nightmare — her poles had snapped somewhere in transit. Every. Single. One.
She sat down and caught her breath, trying to hold back the wave of sickness she felt.
But in a twist of irony, Katie’s nausea paved the way for her Olympic euphoria. The broken poles gave her a chance to switch brands, electing to go with ESSX, a pole vault company based in Fort Worth, Texas.
It was one of the best decisions she’s ever made — ESSX’s pole did most of the heavy lifting on her Olympic-winning jump.
“It was a horrible jump,” she laughs.
Instead of launching straight into the bar — something Katie swears would have happened with her old poles — the chemistry of the pole allowed for her to corkscrew over the bar and into United States track and field glory.
“We’ve talked about how there might have been some divine intervention involved,” Walker says.
But in Olmsted Falls, all anyone saw was an Olympic champion.
Before her winning jump, Katie tapped her dad’s name on her shoe, took 16 steps and vaulted herself to Olympic gold, cheering on the descent of her jump.
When Mark walked into the ambulance moments before his fatal heart attack, he had started a “USA” chant, a nod to the miniRyder Cup he had set up with his golf buddies. At some point in the aftermath of Katie’s winning jump, her friends and family back home started their own “USA” chant to celebrate the win.
It had been 14 years in the making.
This fall, Katie took a muchneeded six-week break — and got engaged on Thanksgiving to Hugo Moon, a rowing coach she met while training out West.
Now, she’s back at it, preparing for the 2022 World Championships. Once that’s done, she’ll begin training to defend her gold medal in Paris in 2024. Given that she’ll be 34 by then, it could be her final chance at gold. Not that she needs any reason to push herself.
KELSEY SHEPARD
OWNER OF KELSEY ELIZABETH CAKES, 32
WHY SHE’S INTERESTING: Known for her chic buttercream cakes and crispy-yet-chewy macarons, Shepard provides Clevelanders with sweets that taste like childhood but look like art. She has more than 118,000 followers on Instagram and counts Shaquille O’Neal, who gave a shout-out to her Cavs-themed sugar cookies during the 2017 NBA Finals broadcast, among her fans. PATTYCAKES: Shepard’s love of baking dates back to time in the kitchen with her mom, Liz. Birthday cakes were her favorite. The icing was almost all buttercream, which is what Shepard still uses today. “When I see big fondant cakes, I cringe,” she says. “It’s a lot of money and a lot of work for a mediocre-tasting thing.” GUILTY PLEASURES: Shepard sells what she, herself, likes to eat. Gingersnaps are one of her biggest weaknesses. She tries not to eat them every day. “But if there are a few broken gingersnaps sitting on a tray, I’ll usually nibble at those.” GOTTA KEEP MOVING: Shepard appears bubbly and outgoing but, as a child, she switched schools four times. “Through all those moves, I got more and more introverted because I had to keep leaving all my friends behind,” she says. But it also taught her self-reliance. “I can keep myself entertained.” CAKE EMERGENCY: One time, when Shepard was delivering a cake to a wedding, her car was run off the road by a semitrailer. The cake was demolished. But Shepard and her team rallied, decorating a dummy cake to look like the real cake and racing to bake and decorate new cakes in time for the serving of dessert. Most of the guests never knew anything had happened. “That cake is actually posted on my Instagram,” Shepard says.
Joyce Huang
URBAN PLANNER AND ACTIVIST, 36
WHY SHE’S INTERESTING: As vice president of community development for MidTown Cleveland, Huang moved to AsiaTown to get closer to the people she serves and has been an integral part of the Stop Asian Hate movement. PERFECT: Huang paints her dream neighborhood as a place for communities to enagage and thrive in. “It would also have very well-thought-out public spaces and green spaces where I can go for walks with my family.” PARENTING: Raising a child is no easy feat, especially during a pandemic. But Huang has strong ideas about how to do it. “Kids are really like little people trying to construct themselves and understand the world around them. Be respectful of who they are as people. They’re really innately skilled at understanding the world.” TRAVEL BUG: Huang jokes that, if she had left for Taiwan in March 2020, her family could’ve ended up staying. She describes it as a place with mountains that has a lot of respect for nature.“People are laid back and like to laugh. It’s always so lively. We’re always thinking about when we’re going to be back there.”
interesting FACT If Huang could have only one thing to eat, it would be tofu as long as it could be in all of its forms: soft, fried, egg or with shrimp.
DaLAUN DILLARD
NEWS 5 CLEVELAND ANCHOR, 28
WHY HE’S INTERESTING: Dillard is a new kid on the local network-affiliate news block. He signed on to WEWS-TV 5’s “News 5 at 5” in April after stints in Illinois and Nebraska. MADE FOR TV: Dillard was a disenchanted finance major at Central Michigan University when “something in his spirit” prompted him to check out the school’s student-run TV news station. His first audition yielded a semester-long anchoring gig, before he had finished changing his major. “Once I started anchoring and taking some of the classes, that’s when I realized, Oh, I love doing this!” IN THE ACTION: Dillard’s most notable assignment was covering the unrest following the murder of George Floyd for Omaha’s ABC affiliate. During one shot, he noticed a pepper ball rolling right at him. “I was like, ‘Oh, wow! We have to run!’ So in the middle of my live shot, we’re running.” FLEET-FOOTED: The downtown resident uses his runs to explore. His favorite discovery is the peaceful feeling at Edgewater Park. “On any day you can see someone out there just reading or people out there having a picnic.”
WHY HE’S INTERESTING:
Starting in kitchens at 15, Bauer ascended the Jonathon Sawyer food chain in his early 20s to become chef de cuisine at Greenhouse Tavern. The experience inspired him to do things a little differently when he took the helm at Heart of Gold. Now, the sandwich-and-burger joint is exploring the post-pandemic kitchen set-up with a tight, well-paid crew pumping out fine-casual fare. SKELETON CREW: On a busy Friday night, you’ll find just two cooks. Bauer is almost always on the line. Diners order up front, snag their own beers and eat on paper plates. “Basically, we’ve reduced the restaurant experience down to the lowest common denominator. We’ve cut out the dishwasher, the hostess and the waiters.” MONEY GRUB: By getting his hands dirty and keeping things lean, Bauer can pay each employee $17 an hour and keep prices reasonable. “I go home happy every night knowing everyone is making a living wage.” FINDING FOCUS: Diagnosed with ADHD at age 5, Bauer struggled in school but found clarity in the kitchen. “I thrive in an environment where I can be creative and bounce one place to another.” SIMPLY DIVINE: The Mighty Duck exemplifies his fine-casual approach. Spicy duck bacon, avocado, alfalfa, green tomato agrodolce and maggi mayo invigorate a typical BLT served simply on a paper plate. “We have to let the food speak for itself ... but I’m always going to be driving technique no matter what style of food I’m doing.”
ADAM BAUER
HEART OF GOLD CHEF, 31
Justin Reynolds
WRITER, 39
WHY HE’S INTERESTING: Reynolds utilizes masterful storytelling to introduce heavy but necessary topics to young readers. His talent caught the eye of Disney execs, who asked him to write a graphic novel about Miles Morales — the one and only Black Spider-Man. LOVE AND LOSS: Reynolds’ first two novels, Opposite of Always and Early Departures draw heavily from the loss of his friend. “It’s kind of like a love letter to that best friend,” says Reynolds. “It’s the most personal thing I’ve ever written and definitely the most special thing I’ve ever shared.” SPIDEY SENSE: When Disney approached Reynolds to write about Miles Morales, he couldn’t say no, and not just because Spider-Man is his favorite superhero. “I was, like, of course, I have to do it, because of what he’s done for not just comics in terms of diversity, but for an entire generation.” NEW SERIES: Reynolds teamed up with former NBA All-Star Caron Butler for a series called Shot Clock that tells the story of a boy whose success relies on the help of others. “We need people to see that it’s not for lack of talent, intelligence or commitment that a lot of kids in this country who live in underserved communities don’t make it out.”
interesting FACT Opposite of Always is in the process of being adapted for the big screen.
JESSICA EYE
MIXED MARTIAL ARTIST, 35
WHY SHE’S INTERESTING:
Ranked ninth in Ultimate Fighting Championship’s flyweight division and known as “Evil Eye,” Eye is a fighter in more ways than one. Being hit by a drunk driver when she was 16, along with years of abuse by her father, ultimately drove her to a career in mixed martial arts. By age 19, Eye was thrown into the octagon for her very first competition. Now, she continues to persevere while inspiring others. HER FIGHT: The younger version of Eye wanted revenge — and fighting felt like a way to get it. “It was sort of the Midwest way. Doing something gritty and something that no one else wants to do, but there’s a purpose for it.” A NEW “WHY”: Eye’s journey has changed significantly since she first began. “My childhood has shaped the person I am today. When you’re in those moments you can’t see the lesson or why you’re going through those things.” FINDING A LANE: There was a serious lack of female competitors when Eye first began. “I had to be my biggest promoter if I wanted people to believe in fighting.” A LOVER TOO: “If I’m not fighting or training, I give the shirt off my back. If a turtle was crossing the road, I’d stop traffic to make sure it gets across safely.” She wants people to see strength, compassion and empathy before the fighting version of herself. LIFE BEYOND: Eye, who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, dreams of opening a restaurant that caters to people like herself. ADVICE: “You can always make more money, but you can’t get back experiences that you lost.”
MICHAEL ALLIO
REALITY TV STAR, 37
WHY HE’S INTERESTING: Allio, a warm, funny dad from Akron, captured audiences’ hearts on Season 17 of ABC’s The Bachelorette. He was a front-runner but left the show before the finale to spend time with his then 4-year-old son, James. WHAT HE DOES: Vice president of MA Workwear and founder of the L4 Project, which raises money and awareness for cancer in honor of his late wife, Laura. ADVANTAGE DAD: One of the things that most surprised Allio about being on the show was how long the rose ceremonies last. They started as late as 11 p.m. and ran for six to seven hours, which meant that contestants didn’t get a lot of sleep. Some of the contestants were “freaking out,” about the late nights, Allio says. “They were taking naps.” But as a single dad, Allio felt he had an advantage. “I only need about four hours to be functional.” HOPE SPRINGS: Though Allio ultimately didn’t end up with bachelorette Katie Thurston, the show gave him hope that he might find new love one day. “I was happy to find that I did feel that spark,” he says. “It may feel like a low standard for some, but for someone who’s gone through grief, that’s like a breath of fresh air.” GUIDING THE WAY: In December 2018, when doctors said the end was near for Laura, Allio had three brass compasses created: one for himself, one for Laura and one for James. The words “I’ll find you wherever you are” are engraved on all three. “I keep it on me all the time,” Allio says. It comforts him to think that “whatever waits for us on the other side,” they’ll all connect again.
JUSTIN BIBB
I P
MAYOR OF CLEVELAND, 34
FOR JUSTIN BIBB, summers in
Mount Pleasant meant long hours of playtime until the sun set over the lake’s horizon. Pedaling fast on his black Huffy to the nearest corner store, the public pool or the park for pick-up basketball, he would see the city shrink from view behind him. As he flew down tree-lined streets to return to the duplex he shared with his mother, grandmother and cousin, one singular thought began to take form.
Cleveland was for his taking.
After 16 years of outgoing Mayor Frank Jackson’s administration, 34-year-old Bibb enters office as the second-youngest mayor in city history. And, after winning 63 percent of the general election vote, he has a clear mandate to unfurl the old ways of doing things.
Bibb speaks slowly and deliberately with a cadence that is thoughtful, yet firm, especially when talking about his commitment to action.
In the weeks leading up to the general election, Bibb garnered a number of endorsements from labor unions, media organizations and politicians, including former Cleveland Mayors Mike White and Jane Campbell.
But that may all prove to be the easy part.
The city faces a staggering set of challenges. As one of the nation’s poorest big cities, Cleveland is grappling with the economic im-
2022
pact of the pandemic and an onslaught of other issues, including rising crime, quality of life for residents, the racial wealth gap and the digital divide.
The good news is he’ll have an arsenal — $511 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Bibb was just 4 when his parents divorced, and he split his time between his father’s home in Shaker Heights and his grandmother’s home in Mount Pleasant. There were times when his family struggled, often choosing between making rent and buying food. But they always put his education first, especially his mother.
At school, the seed of Bibb’s political ambitions took root. When he was a junior at Trinity High School, he volunteered to work on John Kerry’s 2004 campaign. After graduating, he went off to study at American University and, in 2007, interned for Barack Obama when he was a senator. In 2014, Bibb returned to Cleveland to attend Case Western Reserve University School of Law and Weatherhead School of Management.
He got his real-life start seven years ago, working in research at Gallup and eventually moving into finance at KeyBank and nonprofit development as chief strategy officer at the nonprofit Urbanova.
But it was his love for the city that drove him to run for mayor. Bibb believes his innate ability to bring people together sparked his belief that he has what it takes to move the city forward.
“My biggest observation was his work ethic,” says Bibb’s campaign manager Ryan Puente. “He was fun and an electrifying candidate out on the trail, sometimes putting in 10-, 12- or 14-hour days walking neighborhoods. We wanted to be everywhere, on the ground, grassroots. That energy is what led him to success in the election.”
For Ideastream reporter and producer Nick Castele, it was Bibb’s performance throughout the campaign — and at debates — that propelled him to victory.
Not long after the polls closed on that first Tuesday in November 2021, Bibb stood behind a lectern at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. The large crowd of supporters fell silent as they anticipated a notable victory speech, one they hoped would usher in a new era of change.
The days of tireless door-to-door canvassing across the city have led him to this very moment. And, sometimes, Bibb still feels like that boy on a bike — in awe of everything that is before him.
IDEASTREAM SENIOR REPORTER, 32
WHY HE’S INTERESTING: Facing one of the biggest mayor’s races in Cleveland history, Castele produced an 18-episode podcast for Ideastream called After Jackson that followed the race from July of last year to Justin Bibb’s election. STAYING OUT OF IT: “I didn’t really want to allow myself to become a cheerleader for any candidate. What I’m really here to do is bear witness to these events.” ELECTION SUMMARY: “This message of change was the thing that was catching hold with people.” IDEAL INTERVIEW: Dennis Kucinich. “He can be feisty at times and he’s not afraid to push back on reporters.” TALENT: Castele says his on-air voice has developed over time, and his past experiences have helped him, including participating in theater and choir while at Saint Ignatius High School and an a cappella group at Northwestern University. “Singing has always been a part of what I do.” THE HARD PART: “One of the challenges is just trying to stay on top of the news. There’s just so much happening. I’m kind of shining the light in a few different places, but you can never see everything all at once.” THE BEST: “I have the freedom to go anywhere and talk to anybody. At the end of the day, it’s still just a real blessing to be able to ask the questions that I think are the best questions and to allow my curiosity to drive the things that I do.”
I P
2022
WILLIAM McNICOL
FASHION DESIGNER, 34
WHY HE’S INTERESTING: Halfway through 2021, McNicol was on track with creating his fall and winter collections — until he got a call from New York Fashion Week. Instead, he ended up debuting a new collection in September, putting his name on the map in the fashion world. STATE OF MIND: Whether you’re in Cleveland or New York, for McNicol, fashion isn’t about the city you’re from, but what the clothing says.“I think it’s more about what ideas you are communicating,” he says. TREND-PROOF: Inspired by classic workwear, film noir cinema and bits of interior design, McNicol’s brand is versatile, genderless and immune to the hyperspeed of changing trends.“I still study the trends,” he says. “I read all the trend articles — and then I try to do the exact opposite.” LOCAL PALETTE: McNicol’s newest collection held an extra special significance — pulling colors straight from a familiar skyline.“If you’re coming on the I-90 bridge, heading into downtown, and you have that view, that’s what I used as my color story for the collection,” he says. TIMELY MOMENTS: McNicol’s most important item comes from the namesake for his brand; a watch from his grandfather, William Frederick, who interesting was known
FACT to keep his clothes for
McNicol finds decades. his perfect “That was brew (and one of the workspace) few things at Duck Rab- that was bit Coffee passed on Lorain down to
Avenue. me,” he says.
EVAN MOBLEY
CAVS FORWARD, 20
WHY HE’S INTERESTING: Sometimes it’s tough to remember that Mobley’s only 20 years old. The No. 3 pick in the 2021 draft, Mobley has started the season on a tear, averaging nearly 15 points a game through the Cavs first 15 games games. Despite not being able to legally purchase alcohol, the 6-foot-11 swingman has Cavs fans dreaming big. HE’S GETTING ADJUSTED TO interesting FACT
CLEVELAND:
After living in He can do a California all backflip. Just his life, he’s don’t expect slowly getting to see it anyacclimated to time soon. “I Cleveland. “I redon’t think ally love the city the coaches and the fans. will want me The fans have to do that on been active, enthe court.” gaged and really supportive.” TECHNICAL FOUL: Mobley’s learned a lot in his first couple of months in the league. One of the best pieces of advice he’s been given came from veteran point guard Ricky Rubio: Learn the names of the referees. “I’m really trying to build a relationship with them, because I feel like that helps me throughout the game.” HE’S A MARVEL NUT: When he’s not bashing in the paint against some of the best athletes in the world, Mobley can most likely be found on his couch consuming as much Marvel content as possible. “I’m really into Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. right now.”
Kahrin Spear
MUSICIAN AND VIDEOGRAPHER, 24
WHY SHE’S INTERESTING: After facing an identity crisis following her graduation from John Carroll University, Spear knew it was time for change. She embarked on a crosscountry trip where she discovered her voice, herself and her passion for music, leading her to put out her first-ever album, Kahrin. IN QUARANTINE: With so much free time to explore her abilities, Spear produced song after song. “I realized that I had a whole album that was a story from start to finish. And I was like, Oh, this is really cool; maybe I should just try to find a team to put it together, because I don’t know anything about music.” LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: As a senior in college, Spear was tired of everyone asking what her plans were — and being unable to answer. “I came home … one day and decided to just do a meditation around the question, What am I supposed to contribute to the world? And, strangely enough, film and videography came through and this whole idea for a documentary.” One thing led to another — and Spear connected with a filmmaker in Cleveland who helped her launch her career as a videographer. ON LOVE: Spear knew before she could truly flourish, she would have to confront her inner battle. “The whole album pretty much is about losing a woman I loved because I was afraid that I wasn’t going to be a good mom if my kids didn’t have a dad.” SHE’S TAKING ACTION: Spear tackled the struggle head on by beginning a platform, “Love Speaks,” where she and her mom host webinars that delve into the parentand-child journey through the rockier parts of coming out. “I have many conversations with God during the album. So I think just speaking honestly about my life journey is something that I hope can be a source of relief for other people to know that they can do the same.”
WHAT’S NEXT? Her new album Songs from Willow Creek. “It’s a poetry book that my papa wrote that I’m taking 11 songs from and turning into an album. So it’s a very meaningful project for me.” ADVICE FROM SPEAR: “It’s very simple. Love your neighbor and love yourself. That’s literally the only thing we should ever need to know.”
CHARDAE SLATER
ARTIST, 25
WHY SHE’S INTERESTING: Slater’s mural of LeBron James was the first in the NBA star’s hometown of Akron. She spent a month painting the mural after finding a location — only to have it vandalized with the words “La Flop” and a bright red clown nose on James. She contacted the LeBron James Family Foundation about the situation, and they hired her to paint a mural highlighting James’ I Promise School. COMMUNITY FIRST: After the mural was vandalized, Slater did not let it get her — or her city — down. Instead, she raised money and put together an event with free food and music in front of the mural and handed out food to the less fortunate with the goal of bringing the community together. “I didn’t want to focus on the negativity. I wanted to focus on fixing it up and keeping people in good spirits.” GROWING BUSINESS: Slater is developing an art business called Afterworld that will feature prints, stickers and more. “I’m just trying to put my work out there and interesting just make a
FACT name for myself.”
The LeBron IN HER HEAD:
James mural “The inspiration was Slater’s comes from my first mural. struggles, my everyday struggles, and the things that I see in my head that I try to pull out, and I just want to inspire people to follow their dreams.” LIFE IMITATES ART: Slater thanks her high school art teacher for where she is today. Mrs. Addis pushed her to never give up and to believe in herself. Now, Slater aims to do the same thing for others. “I would love to teach art one day and help people get going … do big things and just stay on the right path.”
Joey Kinsley AKA Sir Yacht
ENTERTAINER, 28
WHY HE’S INTERESTING: Kinsley has sent waves through the TikTok community with his comical, quippy videos on sports, music video parodies and Ohio stereotypes. Everyone needs a good laugh sometimes and, luckily, Kinsley, better known as “Sir Yacht,” is here to deliver.
THE BIG BREAK: Kinsley’s content-creating journey began when the Browns went 0-16, and his friend encouraged him to make a rant. “It got picked up by SportsCenter’s Snapchat and went viral.”
THE BIG DOGS: The TikToker has caught the eye of at least one local big shot. “Nick Chubb wished me a happy birthday … that was wild.”
COOKING CATASTROPHE: Kinsley was on seasons 21 and 22 of Worst Cooks in America on the Food Network. “It did really teach me I can do anything if I kind of put my mind to it honestly. And now I’m not as bad as a cook as I once was.”
BEST ADVICE FROM KINSLEY: “I love what I do. For anybody who wants to do something … go do it. Go take some steps to do it.”
interesting FACT
Sir Yacht stood in for Liam Neeson on a movie set in Cleveland.
ELLEN KUSHNER
AUTHOR, 66
WHY SHE’S INTERESTING:
Kushner is known for creating intriguing stories with depth such as her book, Swordspoint, a fantasy novel featuring queer characters. Published in 1987, the cult favorite was named one of Time’s 100 best fantasy books of all time in 2020.
ROOTED IN THE LAND: Kushner grew up in Shaker Heights. “It was a magical childhood. It was an era when kids ran outside and played with each other and got into all kinds of mischief our mothers never found out about.” WRITE STUFF: The inspiration for Swordspoint comes from her time living in New York City in the 1980s. “Back then, the Upper West Side was sort of a bad neighborhood. It was an exciting place to live. You never knew what was going to happen. You had to have street smarts.” SELF REFLECTION: The decision to include queer characters in her book wasn’t for anyone but herself — at first. “I feel like the best fantasy literature are the ones where the author is writing out of their profound sense of interesting truth.” FACT ADVICE: The one piece of advice Kushner turns to again and again comes from 7 years: The length of time it took Kushner to write Swordspoint her father. “Everybody doesn’t have to like you.” UP NEXT: Right now, Kushner is working on her fourth novel, which is set in the same fictional world as Swordspoint. “It’s actually the next generation of characters, set 15 years apart from the last one.”
LAURIE TORRES
MALLORCA OWNER, 58
WHY SHE’S INTERESTING: Torres has fought tooth and nail to keep her restaurant, Mallorca, open despite the devastating effects of the pandemic — all while keeping her original staff. Through it all, she has kept a positive outlook. “I put on my badass chick pants, so to speak, and really made this work for the people that are here and their families.” WELCOME HOME: When people visit her restaurant, Torres treats them like guests in her home. “We’re not about fancy lights or fancy clothes … when you come here, you’re going to feel like you’re kind of at your grandmother’s house.”
REPRESENTING CLEVELAND:
Torres works double-duty as the president of Cleveland Independents, a group of locally owned operated restaurants. “If you don’t support them, then Cleveland will just look like a homogenized, pasteurized city that doesn’t have a personality.” WORDS OF ADVICE: “The most important asset that you have as a human being is your empathy. Because empathy is the seed from which all good things grow. Compassion, passion, honesty, integrity — if you don’t have empathy, you can’t have any of those things.” WHY HE’S INTERESTING: Reality TV, movies, professional wrestling. You name it and The Miz has done it. You’d be hard-pressed to find another Clevelander who dominates the TV screen the way Mizanin does. From skydiving for MTV challenges, to diving off the top rope of a professional wrestling ring, The Miz lives a life brimming with adventure. CHARACTER CREATION: Mizanin conceived the character of The Miz in 2001 on the 10th season of The Real World. The reality TV spot gave him the confidence to pursue life outside the norm and, armed with a new persona, he took a stab at a long-time dream: prowrestling. “Once I got on The Real World, it made me realize I could do whatever I wanted,” says Mizanin. “From there I kind of was like, Wow, maybe The Miz can become a reality.” WRESTLING SUCCESS: Over the next three years he continued his reality TV career on shows like The Challenge while training to become the wrestler we know today. Since his debut on World Wrestling Entertainment’s main roster, The Miz has seen incredible success. “I am the only two-time grand slam champion in the history of the company,” says Mizanin, “which means I have held every title there is to hold in WWE multiple times.” THE ADVENTURE OF PARENTING: Mizanin met his wife, Maryse, on WWE. They share two children and, when asked about the most adventurous thing he’s ever done, The Miz gives the title to parenthood. “My life has been one big adventure,” he says, “and honestly, being a parent is the biggest adventure because you have no idea what the day has in store.” Keep in mind, this is coming from a former Fear Factor contestant.
WHY HE’S INTERESTING: Pearlman interesting has an alias: Dr. U. R. Awesome.
FACT Before you’re finished thinking, well, that’s pretentious, let us say he’s Mallorca has an 11-time Guinness World Record been thriving setter in bubbleology (yes, it’s a in Cleveland thing). In July, the magician-turnedfor 25 years. balloon-twister-turned-bubbleologist grappled for a 12th record, the Largest Soap Bubble Net, at Notre Dame College. CAN’T BURST HIS BUBBLE: Despite a couple of bugs in July’s attempt, Pearlman is confident he’ll eventually claim the record. “There has been some lady in Austria that supposedly set the record,” he says. “I gave her the temporary satisfaction of claiming the title right now, but I don’t think it will be that long she’ll have it.” GOOSEBUBBLES: In 2018, Pearlman traveled to Caernarfon Castle in Wales to participate in the recordbreaking of the most people blowing bubbles with a wand. “It was 381 people simultaneously blowing bubbles. It just looked like a mass bubble blizzard in this courtyard … like Dracula’s castle. You kind of got the shakes and the goosebumps.” COUNT DOWN: This off-season, Pearlman will dodge Cleveland’s dreary clouds for California sun. He jokes, “I got 87 days here, can you tell I’ve been writing them off? The plane leaves at 7 p.m., I’m in Palm Springs by 10. I’m at the pool by 10:30.” TOUGH BUBBLING: Pearlman’s voice tightens when he recalls being asked to blow bubbles at a young girl’s funeral. “I felt good about it, but … that was a new one for me. If I could bring joy and happiness to somebody in times like that, I don’t have to think twice.”
CREATING GOOD KARMA:
While Pearlman may like to keep his life light — and bubbly — he also loves to use his foam cannon for good by working with the MakeA-Wish Foundation. “People have done for me, and I like to give back also,” he explains. “If I could bring joy and happiness to somebody in times like that, I don’t have to think twice.”
Mike “The Miz”Mizanin
ENTERTAINER, 41
interesting FACT Mizanin suffered his first and only injury — damage to his MCL — in May. He still didn’t take a. break.
GARY PEARLMAN
PROFESSIONAL BUBBLEOLOGIST, 63
interesting FACT
175: Number of events Pearlman had last year, April to September
MATT AMODIO
JEOPARDY! WINNER, 31
MATT AMODIO NEVER thought he’d end up on Jeopardy!
At first glance, the Medina native, now a 31-year-old Yale University research assistant working on a Ph.D. in computer science with a focus on artificial intelligence, appeared to be the perfect contestant. He’d been watching the longrunning game show since he was a kid. He loved participating in bar trivia nights. And he unwound at night by reading Wikipedia pages.
But he was also an introvert.
His self-image began to change in 2016, after Amodio’s lawyer father, Jim, suggested they each take an online test the show periodically offers to screen potential contestants. A month later, he received an email inviting him to an audition in New York City. When he didn’t hear from producers, he took another online test, this time in late 2019.
“Once I got an audition call the first time, I said, ‘Oh, my goodness! Maybe I am at least close to good enough to be on the show,’” he says.
The persistence paid off. Amodio’s second audition in February 2020 landed him on a July 2021 episode of Jeopardy! He parlayed that appearance into 38 consecutive wins, a streak second only to the 74 consecutive game wins legendary Jeopardy! contestant Ken Jennings racked up in 2004. His winnings total $1,518,601, making him the third millionaire contestant in regular-season play.
The self-described introvert has become a clebrity.
Although Amodio got the call inviting him to be a contestant on Jeopardy! in March 2020, he didn’t begin taping in Los Angeles until April 2021 because of the pandemic. “It started taping sooner, but they were only using local people because air travel, hotels and everything was too risky,” he recalls. He used Wikipedia to brush up on less familiar subjects such as pop culture and settled on a strategy of bouncing between clue categories instead of choosing one clue after another on a given topic like so many contestants do.
“I felt like if I could do that effectively, I would have an advantage over other people who weren’t that good at context-switching,” he says. Amodio also developed a habit of providing answers to clues in the mandated form of a question by always starting them with “What’s” — technically acceptable verbiage that irked grammar-conscious viewers who expected him to modify his answers with a “Who’s,” “Where’s,” etc., appropriate to each specific answer.
Much to his surprise, Amodio did not experience crippling stage fright, just a little initial shaking in his shoes. “I remember thinking to myself, I’m glad that my foot is shaking a little bit and not my hand,” he says. “We have to operate these buzzers, the signaling devices, to ring in.” The absence of a studio audience for COVID-19 reasons made tapings more like playing along at home.
Amodio hasn’t decided how to spend his winnings. He is a frugal man who still drives a 2011 Honda Fit with broken air conditioning. “I walk around campus,” he says. “So I barely have any miles on it. And other than the air conditioning, it’s in great shape.”
But he’s enjoying the perks of his fame. “I have quite a few female fans on Twitter who are not shy about their emotions,” he divulges modestly. And the metal band Five Finger Death Punch issued a Twitter invitation to meet them backstage after he correctly provided the group’s name in response to a clue and mentioned that he liked their music.
“I did very well in the Beatles category, and I have not yet heard from Mr. McCartney,” he jokingly laments.
Perhaps McCartney will reach out when Amodio returns to Jeopardy! for the next “Tournament of Champions” to be taped later this year. Although thrilling, rubbing shoulders with celebrities is not Amodio’s goal for this next challenge.
But regardless of what happens next, Amodio will always cherish his experience. “This is a show that is all about knowledge and learning. Succeeding so famously at something that is right in line with my core values has been a tremendously rewarding experience.”
Brian Barren
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS, 55 BROWNS PHOTOGRAPHER, 23
WHY HE’S INTERESTING: It’s a new day at Progressive Field, and Clevelanders have Brian Barren to thank for that. Over the past two years, Barren has helped lead Cleveland’s baseball team through a pandemic-shortened season and the changing of a 106-year-old nickname. A former college quarterback, Barren attended Princeton University and spent 24 years working at Proctor & Gamble before joining the Guardians in 2013 as the vice president of sales and marketing. In 2017, he transitioned to his current role as president of business operations. HE’S A GOOD TEAMMATE … With so much changing over the past two years, Barren has made it his mission to be the best “teammate” he can be, whether it’s dealing with changing the name of a beloved Cleveland sports team or trying to figure out what next year’s promotional schedule will look like. “We’ve had to learn how to operate in a world with a lot more uncertainty,” he says. “I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by some tremendous teammates with a lot more expertise in some areas than I have.”
… AND HE’S HAD SOME GOOD TEAM-
MATES: As a kid in Lakewood, New York, Barren played Little League baseball with Kansas City Royals president Dayton Moore before playing quarterback at Princeton, where he had shared a locker room with former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett and Toronto Blue Jays president (and former Cleveland baseball president) Mark Shapiro. “I’ve been surrounding by some great people in all different facets of life, and it’s been incredible to learn from them,” he says. GARRETT GAVE HIM ADVICE: During Barren’s sophomore year on Princeton University’s football team, Garrett transferred back to Princeton’s team, where he was required to sit out a full two years. Despite being better than all of the other quarterbacks on the roster, Garrett spent every practice helping and teaching Barren and the other signal-callers, something that’s stuck with Barren throughout his whole professional life. “He spent a lot of time teaching and coaching us,” Barren says. “He looked at it as he was making us better.”
MATT STARKEY
WHY HE’S INTERESTING: If you’ve seen our Instagram on Cleveland Browns gameday, you’ve seen Starkey’s work. Both stylish and momentous, his shots capture the mood and emotion of any given Sunday. HITTING IT BIG: During a game against the Denver Broncos, Starkey was tracking wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who’d just broke free down the sidelines. Unfortunately, Starkey didn’t see safety Justin Simmons coming with a full head of steam and took an NFL-sized shot to the gut. The photographer shook it off, but the video of the nationally televised play went viral. “I was getting so many texts from people I went to high school with, tweets, the NFL posted me on Instagram. The phone was useless there for a day or so.” OPPORTUNITY STRIKES: After his sophomore year at Ohio University, Starkey took an internship with the Kansas City Chiefs. When he was offered the job in Cleveland, he didn’t hesitate leaving college to take it. “I couldn’t count on getting that opportunity again.” GREAT OUTDOORS: This Florida boy has fallen in love with Cleveland, especially the Metroparks. “I live in Berea within running distance of Rocky River Reservation, but I’ve been to at least 15 of them.” GAMEDAY: “My whole year comes from 17 games, so there’s a lot riding on it for me. Just like the players, I compete against the other photographers in the league.”
ACTIVIST AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZER, 31
WHY SHE’S INTERESTING: Through community engagement and a vision for the future, Jones is helping highlight the vibrancy, culture and style of the city. STARTED YOUNG: Jones was involved in activism as her high school class president. One of the first events she ever helped organize was a walkout that was so effective, the entire school participated. “While also being suspended for 15 days, my principal called me to tell me how proud she was.” CLEVELAND AS HOME: Jones says her community has always felt like family. Everyone’s passion for music, food, sports and authenticity is what she loves most about the city. “Cleveland, for me, has a foundation of a culture of connectivity.” MOM’S ADVICE: While Jones ran for Cleveland City Council this year and lost by a wide margin, she still has plenty of hope for the future — just like her mom taught her. “She told me, ‘Aisia, delays are not denies,’ and that has stuck with me through every single solitary thing.” OPEN UP: Jones feels that society is not open enough about mental health issues. “I want to make sure that we talk about those things, because they are normal, and they are real.”
interesting FACT In her free time, Jones loves painting and and makes homemade candles and soaps.
NATHAN- PAUL
SAXOPHONIST, 34
WHY HE’S INTERESTING:
Nathan-Paul first picked up the saxophone at the age of 11 and now has nearly 20 singles, six EPs and five albums out. He’s also in a band, Nathan-Paul and the Admirables. GENRE BENDING: “We do a little bit of everything. We cover the whole spectrum of black music … you’ve got gospel in there, you got blues, you got jazz, you got rock, you got hiphop, a lot of different things.” JUST OUT: Funk Me, the band’s first full studio album, was released last summer. HOW IT ALL STARTED: “Growing up, my father always let me play my music as loud as I wanted. I would go to sleep listening to it blasting … all the time. I don’t remember ever having any limits as a creative person. I was never discouraged, not once. That was my childhood.” CLEVELAND LOVE: “I want to help my city grow and do its thing. I’m invested in the city of Cleveland and teaching our youth. I want people to want to say that they are from Cleveland.” DAY TO DAY: For the last four years, Nathan-Paul has served as the band director at Richmond Heights High School. “Pretty much everything is about the kids … without the kids, without investing in them, you’re not investing in the future. I wouldn’t be where I am without adults investing in me when I was a kid.” UP NEXT: He’s working on a duet with Cleveland pianist Jon Thomas and a project with local musician Marcus Alan Ward. “I’m just going to keep releasing. I’m probably going to put out between four to seven projects this year. The floodgates are open.”
TOPNOTCH MANAGEMENT FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, 38
WHY HE’S INTERESTING: Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica isn’t the first place you’d think of to hold a tennis tournament, but Duvall’s vision came to life last August when the Women’s Tennis Association set up shop on the waterfront for a tuneup to the U.S. Open. Bringing a top 250 event to downtown Cleveland wasn’t easy, but the association must be sold because the event is returning for an encore Aug. 21-27. IF YOU BUILD IT: The idea of building temporary tennis courts as opposed interesting to using an established location took FACT some convincing. “I think they liked the concept of bringing tennis to an urban Duvall played environment right in the heart of the tennis at city. The only way to do that is on a tem- Bates College porary basis, in this case in parking lots.” in Maine. CLEVELAND CONNECTION: Duvall is not a native Clevelander, but his wife, Kathryn, grew up in Shaker Heights, and that drove their decision to relocate here from New York with their two young kids in 2016. “I love the people; I love the passion for sports.” WELCOME PARTY: Most Clevelanders had to wait a lifetime for a championship, but Duvall’s first night here was Game 7 of the NBA Finals. “We didn’t have any furniture ... our TV was set up on a chair, and we were affixed to the game.”
GARRETT BUSH
RADIO HOST, 40
WHY HE’S INTERESTING: Bush took a circuitous route into sports talk radio, but now he’s a regular presence on 92.3 The Fan, hosting his show, The Barbershop, on Saturday mornings, filling in on weekdays and being part of Browns gameday programming. FOOT IN THE DOOR: Bush, who played college football at Ohio University, worked initially as a financial planner. A new sports radio station was starting in Cleveland, and he was able to get in, screening calls. “They asked me if I knew how to run a board, and at the time, not really. I sat down and the board looked like the USS Enterprise.” In 2018, he was added to the Browns pregame show, “and I haven’t stopped running since.” WHY THE BARBERSHOP? Bush’s uncles own a barbershop in his native Canton, and, even as a kid, he realized it wasn’t just a place where people went to get their hair cut. “It’s a community hub. It’s also a tough place to get a word in edgewise. You had to know your stuff to hold the floor. Even if you don’t agree with me, you interesting can call the
FACT show and talk about
Married in anything as
July of 2021, you’ve got
Bush and his some facts wife, Rosie, behind you were finalists and some to be on 90- passion be-
Day Fiancé. hind you.”
JUST KEEP RUNNING:
In addition to his day job in business, Bush does his show on Saturday and then does the Browns pregame on Sunday. And he loves every minute of it. “If it all stopped today, it’s been worth it.”
LES FLAKE
BEER VENDOR, 64
WHY HE’S INTERESTING: He might not look familiar, but his voice is unmistakable. Walking up and down the aisles at Cleveland sporting events, he announces his presence with a booming voice, yelling, “Not the tax guy! Not the mail guy! It’s the beer guy!” LONGEVITY IS KEY: Flake started out at Cleveland Stadium in 1974 while in high school. “I’ve been doing it now almost 50 years.” BRANCHING OUT: At the end of 2019, Flake became the face of Cold Beer Here, a light lager from the Jolly Scholar on the campus at Case Western Reserve University. “They let me taste-test some of it,” he says. “It’s a really hard job.” With the closing of all the sports venues the following spring, Flake was itching to get out, so he set up a delivery service with the Jolly Scholar, coming up people’s driveways with his familiar greeting. It was as much fun for him as it was for the customers. BEER IS FOR WINNERS: As snakebit as Cleveland teams have been, it’s easy to imagine fans crying in their beers. But Flake says just the opposite is true: “You do well when they’re winning.” When he started out, beer options were limited at the ballpark. Now, there’s a beer garden at Progressive Field featuring a variety of local craft brewers. “I never thought craft beer would sell like it did at a ballgame.” HIS REPUTATION PRECEDES HIM: As a venerable vendor in Cleveland, he can sometimes pick up work at outof-town venues. He’s even worked a Kentucky Derby, and he says there’s nothing like it. “It was just amazing. The hats, the glamor, the atmosphere, it’s like Mardi Gras. That has to be the best event I ever worked.”
interesting FACT
Flake was at Cleveland Stadium for the infamous 10-cent beer night but had no part in the brawl. “I was still in high school. I was selling foot-long hot dogs.”
interesting FACT
If she had to pick a song to play whenever she walks on a stage, it would be “Strange Overtones” by David Byrne.
JENIKA GONZALES
ACTIVIST AND ENTREPRENEUR, 30
Gonzales started both her own graphic design company and a food delivery service called Lumpia Po. She’s also a part of Ohio Progressive Asian Women’s Leadership, a grassroots organization that empowers women and nonbinary people in the Asian American and Pacific Islanders community. DISH OUT: Lumpia Po is both a growing business that delivers the homemade Filipino eggrolls after which it was named and an expression of her roots. “When you’re new to any place, regardless of (whether) you’re an immigrant, you really have to be courageous. Be open to rejection. Be open to people.” FAMILY FOOD: In 2017, Gonzales organized a pop-up at a restaurant that raised $6,000 to help her siblings immigrate to America. FOOD PHILOSOPHY: “As a child I was always in the kitchen, whether it was with my grandma or mom. I learned that there are many bridges that are built when it comes to food. Now, I also get to create those bridges and relationships through food.” PIONEER: Gonzales emigrated from the Philippines — on her own — when she was only 14 and was raised by her grandparents. “That strength that I get to do the serious things that I do comes from them because they’ve done so many things I consider as scary. They’ve fought so many battles.” HOME: Gonzales defines home as a feeling that defies geography. “I think home for me now is finding a genuine connection, whether it’s to your job or food or person.” TAKEAWAY: “I am one with you. I see you, I feel your hurt, your anger, your frustrations. Our stories are complex, but they are beautiful. There’s something to be proud of because this is our home today.”
ELLIOT WEISS
DOG SHOW JUDGE, 79
WHY HE’S INTERESTING: Judging one of the most prestigious dog shows is an art, one that Weiss has been perfecting for decades both as a professional handler and a judge. The Novelty resident will be on hand to judge a variety of categories at the 146th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Presented by Purina Pro Plan in New York from Jan. 24-26. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT: The Westminster dog show was the first one Weiss attended at just 12 years old in 1956, and he was hooked. So much so that later he abandoned pursuing a business degree in college to take a job as an apprentice handler and never looked back. “It was love at first sight because I thought the dogs were beautiful. It’s an animated art form.” THE IDEAL: Each dog is chasing the same goal: perfection. The interesting FACT breeds aren’t necessarily com- Weiss practicpeting against es sculpture each other, but in his free against a specific time. set of standards that define the ideal dog for its breed. Whichever one comes closest wins. “There’s no perfect dog. The great dogs are the ones who live with those faults and you don’t even notice them.” THE RIGHT FIT: “If you find a breed, you have to be passionate about it. There’s no one breed, just like there’s no one personality. Everybody has different needs and wants.” WHY SHE’S INTERESTING: What some call coincidence, Sister Mary Eileen Boyle names divine providence. Twenty-one years and a heart attack later, Boyle continues to work at Esperanza Threads, her nonprofit dedicated to developing sustainable work skills in underserved individuals, including recovering addicts, nonviolent felons and refugees from as far away as the Congo and Nepal. THE LETTER: Boyle returned to Cleveland from a Buddhist meditation center in Vermont seeking discernment. A letter awaited her from Maryland’s The Grassroots Cooperation. “Hmm,” Boyle recalls thinking. “I don’t want to sell clothes. But then I started thinking about the social justice aspect.” Since then, the ministry’s flown on the wings of the Holy Spirit. CRAVING QUIET: Shaker Lakes is Boyle’s favorite place to romp. “At this point of my life I have become more hungry for the quietness of contemplation,” Boyle says. “I’m hoping it would be the future of everybody … to understand the spiritual aspect of their life and their oneness in the creator.” STRESSED OUT: Since a heart attack in 2012, Boyle is mindful of her stressors. “Get out and walk. It’s amazing how things kind of melt away when you’re walking.” MURDER & MERCY: In 1980, one of Boyle’s fellow Ursuline sisters was murdered in El Salvador. The late 1990s saw another sister murdered in Cleveland. The tragedies solidified Boyle’s mission. “It was the death of those two sisters that broadened our understanding of what justice really meant, and so it was just a natural thing, then, for me to want to do something for justice for the people.” PICTURE THIS: Boyle holds close the photographs of her late parents. If she could speak to one of them again, it would be her mother. “This is the thing: I know that she’s with me all the time. I know that she knows what I’m doing. It’s not going to need any ‘catching up.’” EIGHTEEN: The age Boyle left to be a nanny in France for two months the summer between high school and the convent.
Sister Mary Eileen Boyle
ESPERANZA THREADS FOUNDER, 73
