Spreading Holiday Cheer
The holidays are here, and as the spirit of the season is among us, we often try to replicate what made the season feel so magical to us in our youth. The traditions we set for our own families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child whether it is the smells, the sounds, the lights, the holiday activities or a combination of it all that reflect that best.
One of my favorite family traditions is making fried dough each year on Christmas Eve. The fried dough itself is nothing special per se — think of it like funnel cake but salty instead of sweet and shaped like little biscuits — but it’s the sound of the oil popping in the pan and laughter mingling from the kitchen that I cherish the most.
Speaking of traditions, in this issue we’re following the tradition of highlighting the magic of the season in Northeast Ohio. Inside these pages, you’ll find articles about the unparalleled holiday experience at Tis the Season in Millersburg, a delicious holiday menu (and exciting news) from ParTake Kitchen, a national giving campaign and more.
My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace and that we all remember to take care of each other by extending grace, empathy and love.
Happy holidays and an even happier new year,
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Joe Violi | joe.violi@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Emily Shea-Owen | emily.shea@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Martha Doyle | martha.doyle@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Erin Baka, Emily Shea-Owen
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Choice Cabinet, ParTake Kitchen, Tis the Season
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
inside the issue
New Beginnings for ParTake Kitchen
ARTICLE BY EMILY SHEA-OWEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARTAKE KITCHEN
Celebrations are in order. After five years in their original space, ParTake Kitchen is moving into a larger building that will allow them to expand their offerings. The family-owned company is Medina’s premier meal prep service and soon-to-be one-stop-shop food market. Recently, we caught up with owner Laura Kanieski to give you the insider details about what you can expect.
“We’ll be located less than a mile from our original kitchen at 540 Blake Ave. — formerly the home of Little Fox Bakery,” says Laura.
“The move is a massive success for us; it will provide enough space for us to expand our catering services and develop new offerings
as well. In particular, we’re really excited to open a food market in the space.”
Laura explains that the food market will operate in addition to ParTake’s already thriving meal prepping service: “This will be a shop for people to swing by and pick up prepared meals that don’t need to be ordered in advance. We’ll also have a license to sell wine and beer. Eventually, we hope to offer wine pairing suggestions with our meals.”
Laura expects to be fully moved into the new space by Winter 2025 and will only pause
online orders for two weeks in order to complete the transition. In the meantime, she’s going full steam ahead on holiday orders.
“Our weekly online ordering will feature special holiday meal options and we’re offering catering as well. When it comes to holiday catering, we can do anything from family gatherings to corporate parties. In the past, we’ve catered hors d’oeuvre parties, events with custom menus, boxed holiday lunches and more,” Laura says.
Some of this year’s limited-time holiday menu items include Beef Wellington, truffle and thyme au Gratin potatoes with gruyere cheese, green beans with roasted red peppers, citrus and honey glazed ham and peppermint cheesecake.
OUR WE EKLY ONLINEORDERING WILL FEATUR E SPECIAL HOLIDAY MEAL OPT
AND WE ’ RE OFFERINGCATERING AS W
“We’re also going to offer breakfast and brunch goodies that are perfect for Christmas morning,” says Laura. “Likely these will be a homemade egg bake and an egg nog crème brûlée French toast casserole.”
As always, everything Laura and her team make is prepared from scratch, meaning none of the ingredients have been frozen, pre-packaged or canned. ParTake is dedicated to quality, and this means that they source local ingredients whenever possible, and always utilize fresh and preservative-free ingredients.
Are you wondering how you can get your hands on some of these holiday-inspired meals? Ordering online with ParTake Kitchen is easy. If you’re interested in placing a catering order, visit ParTakeKitchen.com/catering to learn about your options.
For making an order of single serving or family style take-and-bake meals, here’s what you need to know:
Each Wednesday, ParTake releases its menu for the week and online ordering opens. Clients have the ability to view the menu and place their orders until Saturday, when online ordering closes for the week. Each meal on the menu is intended to serve one, but when ordering for the entire family you can request that the order is “packaged family style” to have multiple meals served together.
On the following Monday, pickup for meals begins. Clients are able to pick up their Monday and Tuesday meals on Monday and pick up their meals for the rest of the week on Wednesday.
When it’s time to eat, all you have to do is heat up the meal in a microwave or oven. ParTake expertly chills their meals using precision chilling so that all the delicious flavors of the meal aren’t lost and heat-up is a breeze. This means, no matter how busy you are during the day, you don’t have to worry about cooking. All you have to do is come home, heat and serve.
If you or someone in your family has dietary restrictions, they won’t be left without something to eat for the holidays. ParTake has an AIP (auto-immune protocol) Menu that boasts gluten-free and allergy-friendly options that are free from grain, dairy, sugar, eggs and nuts. Plus, all the dishes on this menu are Whole 30-approved and paleo-friendly. ParTake even ensures that there is an AIP option for every dish on the regular menu so that everyone in your family can enjoy a worry-free dinnertime.
To learn more about ParTake Kitchen and to see this week’s menu, visit ParTakeKitchen.com
L
PTIONS WELL .
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WelcomeHome
Tis the SEASON
THIS SHOP BRINGS THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS TO NORTHEAST OHIO YEAR ROUND
ARTICLE BY EMILY SHEA-OWEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIS THE SEASON
Welcome to Berlin... we mean the North Pole . At least that’s what it feels like when you enter Tis the Season — Ohio’s largest year-round Christmas shop. The 20,000-square-foot store is decorated in floor-to-ceiling holiday decor and sells everything Christmas-related your heart could desire — specialty ornaments, collectibles, silk florals, garlands, Christmas trees, lights, outdoor decor and so much more.
Upon walking into the shop, you’re immediately immersed in a charming winter wonderland. On the main floor, expect to feel like you’re meandering through a Christmas village as it’s split into different themed rooms. Some of these themes include vintage, Christian and angel-inspired, collectible, candy and gingerbread, Christmas villages, water globes, birds and the highly coveted personalization room. In the
personalization room, you can shop hundreds of ornaments that can be personalized by hobby, occupation, sport or even type of dog!
As you head upstairs to the loft, be sure to stop at the top to take in the magnificent view of the main floor. Then, explore the themed rooms including beach, farmhouse, Mark Roberts elves, snowmen, Grinch and more.
Don’t forget the lower level, where you can browse the lush tree selection. This is where you’ll find trees ranging from two to 12 feet, some lit and some unlit. The lower level is also home to the shop’s over 75 different varieties of Christmas lights, Ohio State holiday decor, Old World decor, nativity sets and more. The newest feature to this level is the fresh fudge counter, where fresh fudge is made weekly.
Ready to experience Tis the Season for yourself? Visit the store at 4363 State Route 39, Millersburg. They’re open Monday through Saturday, but the staff recommends visiting on a weekday if possible, as weekends are very busy. To learn more before visiting, head to TisTheSeasonChristmas.com
Achieving financial health requires more than just saving; it involves smart, tax-efficient investment strategies. By planning for retirement and year-round tax implications, you can maximize your wealth and unlock your financial future. Working with a financial advisor can help tailor these strategies to your unique situation, ensuring financial wellness.
Schedule a complimentary consultation now at (330) 473-1060 with our financial advisors to explore tax-efficient investment strategies for retirement and year-round planning. Your future financial success begins here!
THIS LOCAL BUSINESS IS DEDICATED TO QUALITY AND SERVICE, BOTH IN BUSINESS AND THE COMMUNITY
Choice Cabinet Gives Back
ARTICLE BY ERIN BAKA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHOICE CABINET
“
Choice Cabinet is deeply committed to giving back to the local community.
For the past 18 years, Choice Cabinet has been a trusted major supplier of high-quality, all-wood cabinetry solutions for kitchens, bathrooms, offices and more. With an impressive selection of 150 different sizes, along with a wide range of color options, they provide customers with tailored designs to meet their unique needs. Beyond their exceptional craftsmanship, Choice Cabinet is deeply committed to giving back to the local community, reflecting their dedication to both service and quality.
Tony Laurinaitis, his wife, Dottie, and his children, Tyler and Jessica, are the proud owners of Choice Cabinet, overseeing both their warehouse location in Bedford Heights and a stunning showroom in Warrensville Heights. With a dedicated team of 50 employees, they have built a strong foundation for their business.
At Choice Cabinet, their in-house designers are dedicated to helping you bring your vision to life. They work closely with you to select the perfect color, size and design, ensuring every detail aligns with your style and needs. Whether you’re looking to create a dream kitchen, bathroom or office space, their expert team will assist you in creating a beautiful and functional improvement to your home. With their guidance, you’ll have a personalized cabinetry solution that elevates your space.
Choice Cabinet offers a variety of special features to enhance the functionality and appeal of their products, including soft-close drawers and doors for a quiet, smooth experience. They also provide a range of accessories designed for optimal organization, ensuring that each space is as efficient as it is beautiful. Their unwavering commitment to quality, price, and service is reflected in every cabinet they produce.
With over 60,000 cabinets in their Brooklyn Heights warehouse, Choice Cabinet combines
exceptional quality with competitive pricing. Their vast inventory ensures that customers can find the perfect cabinetry solution without compromising on craftsmanship or affordability, making them a standout choice in the market.
White remains the most popular color for cabinetry at Choice Cabinet, with gray as a close second. However, current and upcoming trends are shifting towards multi-color cabinets. Homeowners are increasingly opting for two-tone designs, where upper and lower cabinets feature contrasting colors, adding a modern, dynamic touch to kitchens and other spaces. This evolving trend allows for greater creativity and personalization in home design.
While Tony and Dottie are passionate about providing high-quality cabinets, they are equally dedicated to giving back to the community. Choice Cabinet is blessed to be able to generously support various causes, including donating products to the Wounded Warrior Project and providing cabinets to those in need. They are especially committed to local church ministries, with a particular focus on opioid addiction centers and women’s recovery centers, reflecting the Laurinaitis family’s deep concern for these critical issues. Tony and Dottie know that God has placed Choice Cabinet in a position to make a meaningful impact on the lives of many in the community.
Choice Cabinet stands out not only for their high-quality, customizable cabinetry solutions but also for their unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction and community support. With a wide selection of styles, in-house designers to guide you through the process, and a strong commitment to quality, price and service, they ensure you’ll find the perfect fit for your home. Learn more at Choicecabinet.com or contact the Choice Cabinet team at info@choicecabinet.com or 216.378.2828.
Their in-house designers are dedicated to helping you bring your vision to life. “ ”
IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.
2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
CONFECTION
Elevate your holiday hot chocolate with a charcuterie experience
As winter settles in and the air chills, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Take it up a notch and indulge in a hot cocoa charcuterie board. Picture a delightful spread of various hot chocolate flavors, mix-ins, and toppings, inviting you to create a personalized, delicious mug of joy.
OLD-FASHIONED HOT COCOA
Ingredients
• ¼ cup 60% cacao chocolate morsels
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 pinch salt
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Heat all ingredients (except vanilla extract) in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat until almost boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
CREATING THE PERFECT HOT COCOA CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Gone are the days of selecting only between marshmallows and whipped cream as toppings. With a hot cocoa charcuterie board, you can delve into a world of flavors, textures and spices that will make each sip an adventure.
Begin by selecting a variety of flavors and mix-ins, such as mini marshmallows, salted caramels, white chocolate morsels and peppermints. Pair your hot cocoa with delectable treats like cookies, gum drops, crème-filled wafer rolls or chocolate-covered espresso beans. Consider adding biscotti, chocolate-dipped spoons or chocolate-coated pretzels as well as whipped toppings and an assortment of sprinkles.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY WESTER
DECEMBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 1ST
Breakfast with Santa
The Oaks Lakeside Restaurant in Chippewa Lake | 10:00 AM
Individuals of all ages can enjoy free pictures with Santa, the Grinch and other holiday characters at this cherished annual event. A brunch buffet will be served; reservations are $32 per adult and $16 per child. Learn more at TheOaksLakeside.com.
DECEMBER 3RD
Alex Bevan: As a Child
Looks at Christmas Eve
Medina County District Library | 6:30 PM
Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach (ORMACO) and the Medina County District Library present this regional performer who sings songs primarily of his own crafting that are supported mostly by his deft guitar picking and agile improvisational wit. The program is free to attend and no registration is necessary.
DECEMBER 5TH
After the Fire: Images of the Cuyahoga River
Brunswick Library | 6:30 PM
Join Ed Kelly as he shares images and video detailing the aftermath of the historic Cuyahoga River fire in 1969. Learn more and register to attend at MCDL.info
CONTINUED
DECEMBER 8TH
Tomáseen Foley’s “A Celtic Christmas”
Medina Performing Arts Center | 2:30 PM
This cherished production recreates the joy and innocence of a night before Christmas in a remote farmhouse in the west of Ireland. Bring out the entire family for an afternoon of holiday cheer. Learn more and purchase tickets at TomaseenFoley. com/A-Celtic-Christmas.html
DECEMBER 15TH
Cleveland Trombone
Collective: Holiday Tunes
Wadsworth Public Library | 2:00 PM
ORMACO and the Wadsworth Public Library closes out the 2024 Live at the Library concert series with an afternoon of lively brass arrangement of holiday music. The program is free to attend and registration is not required.
DECEMBER 23RD
Charcuterie Make and Take Cool Beans Café | 6:00 PM
Make your own beautiful charcuterie board to enjoy during the holidays. Tickets are $65 and include all ingredients. Learn more about what to expect and how to purchase tickets at CoolBeansMedina.com/pages/events
