Pairings Spring 2015

Pairings A COMPANION PUBLICATION TO HEART OF OHIO MAGAZINE

SPRING 2015

Wine can take you on a

Journey

Contents

0 4 |

Grocery Shopping Made Fun

0 7 |

Wine Destinations

10 |

Slantwalk Wine

13 |

Predicting a Full Moon

Giant Eagle’s Market District

3 on the Road

From Argentina to Ohio

Mill Street Distillery

SPRING 2015

15 |

The Buckeye State Embraces the Grape

18 |

Altered Eats

20 |

Wine Speak

The State of Wine in Ohio

A Unique Food Truck in Mansfield, Ohio

Wine Quotables

Say

o d I

at

Photos by Fred Ha

nsen Photography

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From the Editor In this spring issue of Pairings, we bring you a wine journey that dreams are made of: Slantwalk Wine. It’s a story of four women and their unexpected journey to owning their own wine label. I hope their story will inspire you to chase your wildest dreams as they have inspired me.

Mike shares with us a wine journey you can make in your own backyard with a chronicle of the hippest wine bars in our area. Take a peek at what the Mid-Ohio wine scene has to offer with “Three on the Road”.

Publishing is an ever changing journey of its own; but it is with excitement that we announce a new direction for our biannual companion publication to Heart of Ohio magazine.

Our newly minted publication will feature specially selected topics of interest that will delve deeper into all that our local community has to offer, from pets to gardening to lifetime sports.

Keep your eyes open as it will hit the news stands this fall.

But never fret my fellow oenophiles! Pairings will not be going away. We will now feature a special Pairings section within the pages of Heart of Ohio Magazine to whet your thirst for all things wine.

So sit back, relax, and let this issue of Pairings take you from Ohio to Argentina and everywhere in between.

Publisher SunGraphics, Inc. Diane K. Brown, President diane@sungraphicsinc.com Editor Adelyn Belsterling editor@heartofohiomagazine.com Sales & Marketing Mike Greene mike@heartofohiomagazine.com Diane Brown diane@heartofohiomagazine.com Contributing Writers Adelyn Belsterling Diana L. Coon Mike Greene Chuck Jakubchak Siera Marth Graphic Designer Tom Hofacre

Adelyn Belsterling, Editor

Circulation Michelle Fredmonsky-Harvey michelle@sungraphicsinc.com Becky Herrick maildept@sungraphicsinc.com Pairings is printed and published biannually by SunGraphics, Inc.

41 Longview Ave. E., Mansfield, Ohio 44903

CPAs & Financial Advisors…

a great pairing.

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1020 Cleveland Ave. | Ashland, OH 44805

Copyright 2015, Heart of Ohio Magazine, LLC. ISSN 2158-8732. All rights reserved.

Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permission. SunGraphics, Inc. and Heart of Ohio Magazine, LLC accept no responsibility for unsolicited material. While ensuring that all published information is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for mistakes and/or omissions. Distributed through local retailers, advertisers and by subscription.

2 pairings heartofohiomagazine.com/pairings

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Grocery Shopping Made Fun Giant Eagle’s Market District Strongsville, Ohio

By Chuck Jakubchak

E

arly grocery stores were small —

allowing shoppers to better utilize their

a day, and offers products and services

less than 1,000 square feet — and

valuable time. Fortunately for some

beyond the scope of other grocery stores.

sold canned goods, along with

Ohioans, the evolution of grocery stores

Market District is unlike any other grocery

took another major step late last year.

store you have visited.

nonperishable items. All goods were sold over the counter, and consumers had to

Giant Eagle, headquartered in

Your first sense that Market District is

inconveniently visit other merchants to

Pittsburgh, decided to improve the

a different type of store occurs when you

purchase meats, produce or baked goods.

concept of one-stop shopping by opening

grab the shopping cart and head into the

During the 20th century, self-serve grocery

their Market District store in Strongsville,

store. You quickly notice the two beverage

stores popped up, and they gave way

Ohio this past October. The new store

holders molded into the handle of the cart.

to “supermarkets” located in shopping

contains more than 107,000 square feet

A Starbucks coffee cup fits nicely in the

centers. Each new generation of stores

of shopping area (larger than two football

left holder, while the right one is designed

became progressively larger, with a greater

fields and double the size of a typical

to accommodate a glass of wine or beer

variety of quality goods offered for sale.

grocery store), with all of the space

that can be purchased from the in-store

Economies of scale in the new, larger

dedicated to items you use in your home.

bar. Yes, you can purchase and consume

stores reduced the cost of groceries, and

Market District employs more than 425

any one of the 12 different wines or 18

shopping trips became more efficient,

friendly people, remains open 24 hours

different beers on tap at the bar while

4 pairings heartofohiomagazine.com/pairings

SHOPPING If shopping at Market District whets your appetite, stroll over to the 107seat restaurant and place an order for your favorite food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served each day, and their kitchen opens at 7 a.m. Specials are offered most days, and on Tuesdays, children eat free day (with paying adult). Monday is half-priced pizza night, and their stone hearth oven turns out a tasty pie that competes with any establishment. Tipping is not permitted in the restaurant, and their self-serve beverage island has more than 30 soft drink options to quench your thirst. a variety of spices, candies, nuts, olive

Market District offers the services

oils, peppers, teas and coffees in the

usually provided by other large grocery

specific quantities they desire. This is

stores, such as dry cleaning, pharmacy,

a great alternative for discriminating

floral, a fresh fish counter, deli and assorted

shoppers who prefer purchasing quantities

prepared foods that are ready to take

commensurate with their specific needs.

home. However, they have also included

While shopping, feel free to use their

other unique offerings unlike the typical

complimentary Wi-Fi to peruse email or

grocery store. The artisan cheese shop

update your Facebook page, as Market

offers more than 400 handcrafted domestic

District is e-friendly and sensitive to the

and imported cheeses and will surely have

needs of their customers. If you need to

one to suit your tastes. The in-store candy

unwind a little before or after shopping,

counter produces specialty chocolate

stop by their comfy chairs and couches

candies and is located next to the gelato

near the front of the store that are

store that will gladly sell you a scoop of

you do your grocery shopping. Should

located close to a cozy gas fireplace. The

any of the 18 flavors offered each day. In

you prefer to sit in the bar area, you can

living room setting in Market District is

the cosmetic section of the store, a unique

enjoy the flat screen television and take

appealing and a great place to take a break

soap bar allows you to select and bag your

advantage of the comfortable lounge.

and chat with a friend.

favorite scented goat’s milk body soap.

After walking through the entrance

The massive bakery located at the rear

If you are a wine connoisseur, Market

doors to Market District, you enter a

of the store offers an amazing selection

District probably carries your favorite

huge area dedicated to fresh fruits and

of gourmet cakes, pastries, cookies and

variety, as they stock more than 2,400

vegetables that are attractively displayed.

artisan breads. Baking occurs throughout

varieties of wine. Their inventory

Whether you need basic items, organically

the day, but things really pick up at 1:00

includes domestic, international and

grown or some exotic item like a stalk

am., when the staff magically turn flour

local selections, while striving to have

of sugar cane, Market District probably

and water into treats that we all enjoy.

a combination of both popular and

stocks it, if it is seasonally available.

The bakery team produces more than 30

emerging varieties. Each Thursday, they

Adjacent to the produce section is their

different loaves of artisan bread each day,

offer a wine tasting event so customers

bulk foods area. Not found in typical

including everything from basic Italian

can sample bottles from their extensive

grocery stores, Market District’s bulk food

to Black Russian rye. All are ready for

inventory. On Friday evenings, the chef

section allows customers to purchase

purchase when you arrive in the morning.

and wine steward work together to offer

heartofohiomagazine.com/pairings pairings

5

a gourmet entree in their restaurant, matching the meal with the perfect, complementary wine.

If you prefer other adult beverages, Market District proudly carries about 900 different types of bottled beers and strives to stock whatever their customers want.

They have also dedicated a special room within the store as a State Liquor Store, carrying 1,000 different spirits, and their inventory includes select bourbons and whiskeys, in addition to the usual offerings.

Another innovative offering of Market District is their “Cooking School”, located on the mezzanine level of the store. Each month, they offer about 20 different classes for a modest fee, and classes may involve seafood preparation, ethnic foods, tailgating tips and bread baking. Their curriculum changes every month, but there are always classes tied to seasonal holidays, and they have even included classes for aspiring young chefs, starting at age five. You can learn how to properly prepare and serve anything you purchase at Market District.

One of the worst parts of grocery shopping is usually the checkout lines.

You never know which one to stand in, and usually your line seems gridlocked, while other lines flow freely without hold-ups due to dreaded price verifications or check approvals. Market District solved that aggravation by creating a central checkout line, where everyone flows Market District is located at 15919 Pearl

through the same line and a computer

and services that make the task of

directs the shopper to the next available

shopping enjoyable, efficient and less

Road in Strongsville, less than two miles

checkout register. Gone are the days

stressful. The outstanding customer

from SouthPark Mall. Their phone number

where you selected the slow line, and

service, quality products and unique

is 440-238-6446.

this use of technology is a wonderful

offerings make the store fun for everyone

time saver!

to visit. Market District isn’t just a

Ohio with similar offerings are located in

Additional Market District stores in

grocery store; it is an attraction that you

Solon, Uniontown, Cuyahoga Falls and the

represents the next generation of grocery

should experience the next time you travel

Columbus area.

stores, providing a vast array of products

to Strongsville. $

Giant Eagle’s Market District

6 pairings heartofohiomagazine.com/pairings

Wine Destinations 3 ON THE ROAD

There is always excitement in finding someplace new where you can dine with fine wine. With the popularity that wine is experiencing across the country and, more specifically, here in Ohio, I thought that you might appreciate learning a bit about three places that are each unique in strikingly dissimilar ways. One is in Shelby, a second is in Wooster and the third is in North Canton.

T

he first of these is The Vault, located in the heart of

70 patrons. Those who partake of The Vault’s menu of food and

Shelby, a town of about 8,000 people in northern Richland

drink should also keep apprised of the entertainment possibilities

County. That just happens to be the place where I grew

that Shelby’s only wine bar has planned, some of which will be

up. Back then, the space, now called The Vault, was occupied by a

offered outside their normal operating hours. For more information

bank, the one where I opened my first Christmas Club account.

and their current hours of operation,

After going through a couple of name changes, the bank

visit www.vaultwinebar.com .

closed its doors about a dozen years ago. It sat empty until Ben

So, for wine, craft beers, a full

and Cindy Lash, Shelby natives with a food service background,

menu and more, you’re cheating

purchased the property from the out-of-town owner. Their idea

yourself if you don’t visit The Vault

was to turn it into a wine bar. If you visit, you’ll first be struck by

in Shelby. And bring along some of

the amazing way they were able to transform the teller station

your Christmas Club savings. 

area into a detailed bar with wood and several marble inlays. It preserves the overall look that I recall from my youth, as does the vault — the very same one, although shinier than I remember — that housed my Christmas club quarters.

Their wine collection is just part what you’ll find to drink and eat at The Vault. When the Lash’s opened the venue in the summer of last year, they didn’t expect the food part of their business to take off as quickly as it did. So, to service the demand, the kitchen now prepares everything from pizza to short ribs which has helped to develop a loyal following.

Inside The Vault there is seating for a little over 70, including the dozen seats at the bar. In the warmer months, a good-sized patio is open, and there is room for almost another

heartofohiomagazine.com/pairings

and Glenn have been concentrating on growing their family and their business.

If you’ve not been to the Wooster

Along with their wines, Broken Rocks also has a good selection of craft beers which also complement their appetizers,

location, you may be surprised by the

salads, pasta, steaks and pizza, not to

size of the facility inside, based upon the

mention bakery items, including Glenn’s

unimposing entrance. It features the

signature sour dough bread.

original brick walls and high ceilings,

Soon, perhaps by the time this edition

and seating that is ample, but not to

of Pairings publishes, Broken Rocks will

the point of making you feel crowded or

have added something excitingly new

uncomfortable.

— a wine and craft beer bar in the space right next door to the main restaurant.

When we spoke to discuss this article, Glenn did not yet have a name for the new establishment, but he did say that this will allow Broken Rocks to present a whole new wine and craft beer experience.

On one of the online restaurant rating

A

sites, someone had written about Broken

nother wine

Rocks, “It’s the best place to see and be

destination in north

seen in Wooster.” If that’s your reason

central Ohio that

for visiting, I wish you good luck in your

is well worth a road trip is

networking efforts. If your motive is just

Broken Rocks in Wooster.

to eat, drink and be very merry, I can

The initial version of this restaurant was

Wine was always meant to play a major

opened in Loudonville in early 2000 by

role in the Broken Rocks business plan.

Lisa and Glenn Grumbling. Lisa was from

While Glenn will admit that he was not a

Michigan and Glenn from Hinckley, Ohio.

wine connoisseur, he told me that he has

They worked together at a Columbus

learned a lot about the tastes of those who

restaurant, but wanted to get close to

visit his establishment in the14-plus years

family in northern Ohio, which led to them

that they have been open.

opening their own place to dine and enjoy

In particular, he said that when

guarantee you should achieve your goals. 

W

e’ve written a couple of times in past Pairings editions about the Gervasi

Vineyard complex in North Canton.

testing by tasting samples from his wine

However, we had not yet focused

providers, he always says to himself,

exclusively on the Crush House, as the

“master plan” and when they were unable

“What will this wine go with?” There are

construction had not been completed on

to obtain a liquor license in Loudonville,

many well-known wines that he does not

that industrial-style building that houses

the Grumblings decided to combine the

put on the drink menu, simply because he

a state-of-the art winery, as well as a wine

two operations, and they did that in just

can find nothing that they pair well with

bar and eatery.

a couple of months. In early 2000, they

on the food menu.

wine.

The Wooster location was part of their

You can enjoy two distinct experiences

opened the Loudonville Broken Rocks.

by visiting this multi-purpose facility. First

Two months later Lisa

you can watch Gervasi wine being made

gave birth to their first

by taking a tour of the winery itself — all

daughter, and, in July, the

18,200 square feet of it . Every Saturday,

doors opened at 123 E.

there are free public tours of the winery

Liberty St. in Wooster and

facility. The Crush House produces 30,000

the Loudonville location

gallons of wine each year, which equates

closed. Ever since, Lisa

to 150,000 bottles or 12,500 cases.

8 pairings heartofohiomagazine.com/pairings

After your tour, or as the primary reason for your visit to Gervasi’s Crush House, plan lunch or an early evening dinner there. They can seat 100 inside, and, when the weather allows, another 75 outside. If you prefer, you can simply enjoy a relaxing glass of wine, or, as you might expect from the nationality that the name Gervasi brings to mind, you can also select from a list of unique Italian and local craft beers. The Crush House also offers a variety of wine experiences, including an expansive tasting bar, tasting plates and, as I mentioned earlier, both public and private tours. They also have three private dining spaces in the building: the Indoor Tower Room, Outdoor Tower Room and Vineyard Room. The bonus factor in a visit to the Gervasi Vineyard campus is that there is so much more to see, in particular, the villas and the bistro. 

The message in this story is that if you have no “must-see” wine-related eating spots on your personal gastronomical list, you can quickly add the three I’ve just told you about; The Vault in Shelby, Broken Rocks in Wooster or the Crush House at Gervasi’s in North Canton. Enjoy them all… one at a time. $ MG

a n i t n

m o r F

e g r A

k l e a n i w t w n a l s

io h to O

F

or an editor of a wine magazine, I don’t claim to know very

When they arrived, their two friends from Chicago wanted to

much about wine. Neither did the “Four Chicas” when they

spend time relaxing on the beaches of Uruguay, while the chicas

purchased a vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina. I first learned

wanted to find adventure off the beaten path. Sarah Hannibal

about the Slantwalk label on a fortuitous phone call with a best

had already been to the region in a Spanish immersion class.

friend from high school. I had expressed my trepidation at writing

Through some of her local contacts, she met two entrepreneurs

for a wine magazine, “All I know about wine is what I like to drink,

and expatriates, David Garrett and Michael Evans, who were

and I like Malbecs.” To which she replied, “My cousin and her

planning on opening a wine bar in the Uco Valley of Mendoza to

friends from Miami University own a vineyard in Argentina. Their

showcase local wines.

flagship wine is a Malbec.”

My first thought was: how do four girls from Ohio end up

Argentina’s wine country, while not lacking for quality, was still 20 to 30 years behind Napa in developing their wine tourist

owning a vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina? I immediately got in

industry. But Pablo Gimenez Riili of Argentina and Michael Evans

touch with Sarah Hannibal and set up a conference to talk with the

saw the potential of the region, with its great wines and rustic

Four Chicas, all of which are still involved in the label.

elegance. The pair invested in 250 acres of land to start The Vines

It all started with discounted airfare to Buenos Aires. After graduation, the Four Chicas were living in Chicago when they

of Mendoza, which it parceled out as “Vineyarditas” to private owners around the world.

found a deal on airfare to Argentina. With no kids to account for,

About a year after their trip to Argentina, Riili and Evans gave

they decided to go for it. Three weeks later, the Four Chicas, and

the Four Chicas an offer they couldn’t refuse — a chance to buy a

two of their friends, were on a 16-hour flight to Buenos Aires.

4-acre vineyardita of their own in the Uco Valley. Their answer was, “Why ever not?”

heartofohiomagazine.com/pairings pairings

11

journey

“The has been hard won with ups and downs along the way.”

the label from Chicago as their second jobs.

Their wines are sold mostly in Ohio and Kentucky, but they consider themselves lucky to have found the markets they did.

“Ohio has been a delight to work with.”

There was a learning curve to the process of importing wines, but they had their hands on every step of the process.

The management of a wine label is a

For the first three years, the girls didn’t have to do anything while the grapes grew stronger and stronger with each season. In

fits the spirit of the girls’ unconventional

lot less glamorous than jet-setting to the

journey to creating the Slantwalk label.

Argentine countryside, but the chicas

Since 2006, the Argentine wine

are very proud of the product they have

2010, the “Vineyardita de Cuatro Chicas”

tourism industry has seen a boom. The

created. Even without a wine background,

had its first harvest, and the girls made the

Mendoza region now flourishes with bars,

they have successfully managed to build a

trek back to Argentina.

restaurants, and resorts that draw in wine

fully women-owned business that resonates

lovers from around the world. The Vines

with wine lovers and admirers across Ohio.

Under the guidance of the Vines of

The journey has been hard won with

Mendoza’s vintners, the girls supervised

of Mendoza boasts a luxury resort, spa,

and learned much about the blending

and restaurants with world-class fine

ups and downs along the way, but the

and aging processes. A year after the first

dining. Argentina is a magical place, and

response they get from Miami alumnae,

harvest, they began bottling their flagship

the Mendoza valley sports the lushest of

friends, and family makes it all worthwhile.

wine, Slantwalk (named for a historic

views of the Andes mountains. The chicas

For many of us, the winemaking process

walkway through Miami University and

encourage all wine lovers to make the trip.

may seem distant, but it is far from so. The

Oxford, Ohio), and their super premium

But now that all the chicas have jobs

Slantwalk label is a true boutique wine

wine, Slantwalk 4 Barrel. They still bottle

and families, they don’t get to return to

that is only available in our region, with a

and sell these wines today, but each year

Argentina as much as they would like. It

spirit of the unexpected that will inspire

they create two additional varietals inspired

may sound easy to own a vineyard, but the

wine experts and amateurs alike. $ AB

by the unexpected. It’s a tradition that

girls manage the entire business-side of You can find out more and

The “Four Chicas” from left to right: Paula Tordella, Mara Gloor, Sarah Hannibal & Kerri Rygiel

purchase Slantwalk wine at www.slantwalkwine.com.

SPIRITS

Predicting a

Full Moon If the word “moonshine” brings to mind Daisy Duke and banjo music, you’re out of date.

Today’s all-Ohio product sips like a top shelf whiskey, but mixes like vodka. Meet the 21st century moonshine from Mill Street Distillery.

Three friends sitting around a table,

had access to a large variety of high-grade, locally-grown corn. In addition, the oldest manufacturer of copper stills in the United States is located in Bucyrus, Ohio. We

visiting family in Greece, were the starting

began to formulate an idea for an entirely

point for Mill Street Distillery (MSD). Paul

Ohio-based product. Then we took our

Taiganides, Carlos Ogden and Jeff

time in creating a recipe that gave us a

Thompson enjoyed each other’s company

whiskey smoother than others produced

and the rich, pleasing taste of the locally

from corn,” Hernando Posada, MSD Chief

produced Grappa on their numerous visits.

Financial Officer, said.

“The guys returned from Greece, and

From drawing board to state licensing

we talked about distilling it ourselves, and

board, the process took about two years.

that started us on a great deal of research.

“We had to have our still and system

We finally decided the strength of our

completely set up for inspection before we

being here in Ohio was the fact that we

were considered for a license. It’s a

pairings

13

Americans

“Grappa is something most have never been exposed to on a large scale.”

most Americans have never been exposed to on a large scale. It is a form of grape brandy originally from Italy, made from pomace, which is pressed skins and seeds of grapes. Comparatively, it is an expensive and complex process; from grape selection to pressing to fermentation, distillation then aging, each

laborious, extensive process; we received

it would be well received; the response has

step is delicate and can affect the quality

our license just before Christmas 2013,”

been amazing.

and high standard of our product.”

Hernando recalled.

MSD is the first company to produce moonshine in the state of Ohio and hoped

“The popularity of our whiskey, and

MSD is producing two varieties of

the fact that it has such a broad appeal,

Grappa. One is unaged, which means it is

has exceeded even our expectations. We

distilled and bottled immediately, and the

discovered as we experimented with our

other is aged in American oak barrels for

product that it was much more flexible

up to four months.

than we first thought. We created some

“We make both products the same way;

seasonal infusions, and discovered that

we produce them by hand in small batches.

restaurants and bars serving our product

That limits our production, but it creates a

were receptive to them, so we taught

product we’re proud of,” Hernando said. Is

them to make drinks with juices and

there anything else on the horizon for this

fruits. The first one we tried was

boutique distillery? “We have some other

blueberry basil, then sangria. Our

things up our sleeve, but we’re not ready to

recipes are up on the website, www.

talk about them just yet.”

millstdistillery.com, and they’ve really taken off.”

Now MSD is happy to bring another

Learn more about Mill Street Distillery and their products by visiting the website, or you can find them located at 10 Mill

first to Ohio. After receiving their second

Street in Utica, Ohio, or at over fifty state

license this past September, they are now

liquor stores and forty restaurants in

producing Grappa. “Grappa is something

central Ohio. $ DC

14 pairings heartofohiomagazine.com/pairings

e p a r G e h t s e c a r b Em

The Buckeye State s e n i W o i Oh f o e t a t S The

A couple of months ago, The Ohio

State University erased any doubts that they were the #1 college football team in the nation. However, when it comes to grape production (an odd comparison, I’ll grant you), where do you think Ohio ranks among the fifty states? The correct answer is 7th or 8th, depending on who you ask. I happened to ask two of the outreach specialists at OARDC, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, in Wooster, an arm of OSU. David Scurlock is the Director of Viticulture, the study of grapes, while Todd Steiner’s title is Enology Program Manager and Outreach Specialist. For those of you who don’t know, enology is the study of wine and wine making. The OARDC

Todd Steiner

employs about 500 people, and those who dedicate their time and efforts to the wine industry is just a small part of that number.

Scurlock came to OARDC in 1980 to

into wine. There are

focus on the viticulture field after spending

2,000 acres of land

time doing apple research in the state

dedicated to the

of Washington. Todd, a native of Wayne

growing of grapes

County, switched to the field of enology in

here in Ohio, and

1996, after spending his early years in the

that number has been

area of animal science.

relatively stable for the

Through the years, Ohio’s wine industry has experienced dramatic growth.

past five years.

The assistance

A few numbers quickly illustrate that fact.

that the OARDC offers to the growers of

David Scurlock is a resource for those who

In 1980, we had just 23 wineries in all of

grapes, as well as those who set up and

want to know more about site evaluation;

Ohio. Today, there are approximately

operate the wine-related establishments

e.g., is the land they have in mind suitable

225 locations, where their business, to

where the finished product is sold and

for what they plan to grow? Beyond that,

varying degrees, is that of turning grapes

enjoyed, is consultant-like. For instance,

Scurlock offers advice on which varieties

heartofohiomagazine.com/pairings pairings

15

of grapes would do well in the soil and climate that is being considered.

Todd’s work involves helping Ohio’s wineries set up their retail operation and the selection of the wine products that they plan to offer — creating their wine list, if you will. Even though the OARDC is an educational entity, neither Todd nor David consider themselves to be teachers in the strict sense of the word.

As I mentioned earlier, they are mainly outreach specialists for the industry.

Todd Steiner

Their goal is to help those in Ohio’s wine industry improve grape quality, and thus wine quality. They are more interested

and Cab Francs. Ohio’s wineries also

events, OARDC also provides valuable

in quality than they are quantity, with

produce some red wines; most of which

advice to the winners and the runners up.

the ultimate goal of achieving maximum

comes from the southern part of the state.

production efficiency.

As researchers, Todd, David and their

a very good time for wine in general, and

coworkers are endeavoring to identify

Ohio wines in particular. Evidence of that

dates back to 1820, when the first known

wine grape varieties that will continue to

can be seen in the growth of the wineries

bottler, Nicholas Longworth, produced

develop Ohio’s reputation for excellence

or stand-alone wine bars across our state.

his product at his home near Cincinnati.

in wine making.

They are found in large cities, small towns

The recorded history of Ohio’s wines

While you have probably tasted some of

Wooster’s OARDC receives the majority

According to David and Todd, this is

and intimate villages. There are six

the Buckeye state’s wines at your favorite

of its funding from the Ohio Grape Industry

distinct grape growing regions in Ohio,

pubs and bars, you probably are not aware

Council (OGIC), and those dollars are the

and it might surprise you to learn that the

of just which kinds are the most popular.

result of taxes on all wines grown and

region that produces the most Ohio wine

For many years, Ohio has been known

consumed in our state, whether they are

is the northeast part of the state.

for wines that were sweet and pink. As

produced in state or not. In turn, David,

the production increased and matured,

Todd and their division do the research on

grown through the recent past, the

Todd said that the industry wanted

those products.

industry did experience a bit of a setback

to move into wines that were more

A good deal of Todd Steiner’s time

While the number of wineries has

due to the “polar vortex” that hit Ohio in

sophisticated. The results include what

involves work with OGIC’s Quality Seal

January 2014. There was extensive grape

Todd says are some great Chardonnays

Program, which is run four times a year

and vine damage to our state’s vinifera

and involves the judging of

(common grape vine), but the industry

Ohio wines. The purpose

enjoyed a good year due to the addition of

of these tasting evaluations

more fruit from out of state to augment the

is to increase consumer

loss of product from in-state vineyards .

awareness of the quality

David Scurlock

If what you have just read has surprised

wines produced from grapes

you — and, by that, I mean that you never

grown right here in our

realized until just a few minutes ago that

own backyards. He helps

Ohio is one of the leading wine producing

to judge wines submitted

states among the 50 — then I have done

by Ohio producers. Winners

my job. As long as David Scurlock and

are selected, and along with

Todd Steiner continue to do their work at

his participation in those

the OARDC, Ohio’s wines will continue to

professional wine tasting

flow and grow. $ MG

16 pairings heartofohiomagazine.com/pairings

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Altered Eats T

by Siera Marth

he first time I saw it I was intrigued;

Richland county natives, and they share a

and flavors she grew so fond of, flavors that

it was colorful and different and well,

passion for good food and their community.

are a major part of their business.

not something I was expecting to

see behind a bar in Mansfield, Ohio.

Massie, a Lexington High School

It is the passion for travel, food,

graduate, worked in food service during her

community and the combination of all of

high school years at Mid-Ohio Sports Car

these ideas that inspired the couple to

recommendation, I decided on the Korean

Course and Snow Trails Winter Resort. She

begin their new venture, starting a mobile

taco, and, if I am being completely honest,

pursued higher education in Sustainability

food truck.

I was quite apprehensive. “Shaved bulgogi

and Ecological Agriculture at Evergreen

beef, I don’t know what that is,” I thought.

State College in Washington state.

Then I tried it. Based on a

“I don’t really like onion and it has two

Schopp was an English Literature and

Food trucks are growing in popularity in cities and other areas, but the idea of a mobile kitchen is nothing new. Chuck

kinds.” But my curiosity was sparked by

Creative Writing major at The Ohio State

wagons followed cowboys around in the

what kind of culinary adventure a Korean

University – Mansfield, after graduating

rough terrain of the west, providing them

taco might take me on. Turns out, a

from Madison High School. He has worked

with meals. Mobile food carts have been on

fabulous one! The flavors were impeccable,

a variety of odd jobs that supplement

street corners in cities for decades. We are

each ingredient complimenting the other,

his interests of writing short stories and

accustomed to the traditional food trailers at

fusing together in one perfect concoction

poems. Currently he works at Leaning

fairs serving fries, corn dogs, elephant ears

of east meets west dining.

Tower of Pizza and Subs in Mansfield.

and all of the other usual carnival foods.

Altered Eats is finding ways to bring

Both owners share an interest for

Although the food truck is not a new

together flavors, ideas and people through

traveling, which took Massie to Taiwan for

concept, the idea of serving nontraditional

their mobile food truck.

a year to teach English. It was in Taiwan

foods seems to be the growing trend —

that she fell in love with the street food,

trucks specializing in lobster rolls, Chinese

and back in Ohio that she missed the food

food bowls and old family recipes. Altered

The owners of Altered Eats, Anne Massie and Aaron Schopp, are both

18 pairings heartofohiomagazine.com/pairings

Eats is doing the same, specializing in

the perfect word to bring their idea full-

food truck is that it’s mobile, we could go

“American classics with ethnic favorites”.

circle. Fusion was their buzzword, and

anywhere we want.”

The dream became more of a reality when an ad for a truck on Craigslist caught the eye of the couple. After contacting

altered took it on in a whole new meaning, and so, the final touch was added.

With the help of friends and family,

As they prepare for the next season to begin, they hope to add some new locations to their list, as well as getting

the owner of the truck, they made a trip to

they developed their menu, trying

more experience with catering — another

Mount Vernon, Ohio to see what potential

different combinations and recipes,

service they offer.

it might hold.

gathering opinions and ideas for what

Promoting urban gardens, buying local,

would be popular. The menu can also

and being sustainable are all ideas they

problem for Schopp, who has worked

be found on their website and rotates

would like to encourage as their business

a variety of handyman jobs), the truck

seasonally; it shows the true passion the

continues to grow. They even dream of

was definitely promising. After having

couple has for food and flavor.

producing their own ingredients some day.

Although it needed a little work (no

a mechanic look at it, the decision was made, they had found their mobile kitchen. What was once an idea was shaping up quickly!

Stripping the truck, making both exterior and interior renovations, adding electric and purchasing some new equipment was necessary, but it put them

“Food crosses all borders and languages; food is tradition, art and love, in its own way timeless.”

one step closer to fulfilling the dream.

Choosing a name for the truck proved to be a little more trying than they

The serving window of Altered Eats

Talking with Massie and Schopp was a

expected. A name must express the vision

opened in 2014, and includes several

refreshing experience for me; it was easy

and attitude of the business. The idea

locations, but they can be most frequently

to see the love for food and community

behind Altered Eats is to serve fusion

found behind the Phoenix Brewing

they both share. Their idea of fusion food

food, food of quality using fresh and local

Company in Mansfield. The popularity of the

is complimented by their ability to work

ingredients, all the while providing a

business grew throughout the season, as the

together and balance one another.

unique gathering place for families, friends

owners learned through trial and error. But

and foodies alike.

as the weather grew colder, it was necessary

Massie says her favorite things to make

to close down for the winter, much to the

are the sauces, especially for the tacos. As

disappointment of their followers.

for Schopp, he put it best when he stated,

At first, Schopp and Massie had an outpouring of names, some of which were taken already, others that just didn’t seem

They continue to learn from their

to fit. The list of names, which can be found

customers and their experience working

on their blog via the website alteredeats.

together, finding they both have their

com, included Food Buggy, Fresh Fusion, A

strong suits.

Garlic Project and many others.

After kicking around tons of names, the inspiration for the perfect title came to Schopp as he was working at the Leaning

“Anne is an excellent chef, she knows

Apart from the experience as a whole,

“I’m a grill master.” A visit to their window will prove both things to be true.

I can think of no better way to close than to encourage each of you to seek them out this season and try something

her way around the kitchen and she is

that will take you on a culinary adventure.

creative by nature,” said Schopp.

When we spoke, something we all agreed

Massie returned the compliment in

on was that food is a commonality for all

Tower. A poster for the sci-fi movie Altered

saying, “Aaron is the P.R. person, and he

people and therefore a perfect starting

States (having nothing to do with food but

really knows how to connect with people.”

place for everything; so I was delighted

worth a watch according to the owners),

For now they are content with staying

when I found this quote on their blog,

hanging in the pizza and sub shop, made

in the area and are excited to be part of the

“Food crosses all borders and languages;

something click in his head. It made sense

downtown revitalization in Mansfield, but,

food is tradition, art and love, in its own

to both Schopp and Massie, altered was

as Massie pointed out, “The beauty of a

way timeless.” $

heartofohiomagazine.com/pairings pairings

19

Wine Speak Brush up on you wine vocabulary with this glossary

of wine-related terms.

Wine Quotables Is it just me, or do you find nearly every conversation that lasts more than ten minutes eventually becomes a discussion about wine?

While we seem to be obsessed with the subject, we are not the only generation who has found wine to be an interesting topic. Here are twelve of the best quotes about wine from people who had a lot to say about a lot of different things:

Historic figures loved their wine: “Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.” — Benjamin Franklin “Be careful to trust a person who does not like wine.” — Karl Marx Religious leaders have certainly made their share of comments: “Men are like wine — some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.” — Pope John XXIII “In wine, there is truth.” — Pliny the Elder “Beer is made by men, wine by God!” — Martin Luther Philosophers philosophized about the delightful liquid: “In vino veritas (In wine is truth).” — Plato “What I like to drink most is wine that belongs to others.” — Diogenes Some entertainers were famous for their consumption: “I cook with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.” — W.C. Fields Great writers and poets were never at a loss for words: “Wine is bottled poetry.” — Robert Louis Stevenson “I am falser than vows made in wine.” — William Shakespeare Still, the quotes of the famous cannot outshine the quotes of unknown origin: “The best use of bad wine is to drive away poor relations.” — French Proverb “Reality is an illusion that occurs due to a lack of wine.” — Unknown Enjoy! $

20 pairings heartofohiomagazine.com/pairings

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