Iconic Velvet Tango Room Has Been Sold, New Owner Promises to Preserve Legacy

By Douglas Trattner on February 26, 2021 at 3:24PM

The Velvet Tango Room has been sold. While rumors of the sale have been floating about town for weeks, the company that purchased it from founder Paulius Nasvytis has finally come out on record.

Cleveland's First Mac 'n' Cheese Week Arrives March 29th

By Scene Staff on February 26, 2021 at 10:28AM

The Inaugural Cleveland Mac & Cheese Week is coming! From Taco Week to Pizza Week to Burger Week, you're likely no stranger to the range of Cleveland's week-long devotions to America's favorite foods.

Update: Matt Harlan's Chatty's Pizzeria in Bay Village to Open Tuesday, March 2

by Douglas Trattner on February 24, 2021 at 12:08PM

Back in December, we shared the news that Matthew Harlan, longtime employee of Michael Symon Restaurants, was opening his own place. Now we know that Chatty’s Pizzeria (28611 Lake Rd., 440-471-4485) in Bay Village will open on Tuesday, March 2.

Chef Ben Bebenroth to Launch Virtual Food Hall Featuring Multiple Concepts

By Douglas Trattner on February 24, 2021 at 10:13AM

Chef Ben Bebenroth wasted no time closing his farm-to-table bistro Spice Kitchen at the onset of the pandemic. It wasn’t because he knew precisely what to do next; it was because he was certain that he did not.

In a Market Not Exactly Lacking in Fried Chicken Options, Chicken Ranch Stands Out

By Douglas Trattner on February 24, 2021 at 10:08AM

No, it’s not your imagination. Cleveland, like many American cities, is awash in fried chicken places.

Kindred Spirit to Open in Former Sawyer’s Space at Van Aken District

By Douglas Trattner on February 23, 2021 at 5:20PM

When Kindred Spirit debuts in mid-March, it will do so as a hipper, more approachable restaurant better suited to the neighborhood just outside its doors, states its owners. With interior design covered, they turned next to the food.

Popular Concord Township-Based Pub Frato Snags Former Grove Hill Spot in Chagrin Falls

By Douglas Trattner on February 22, 2021 at 11:29AM

Since 2013, Pub Frato (7548 Fredle Dr., 440-867-2441) has been a staple of the Concord Township dining scene. The popular gastropub was launched by Chris and Lynda Frate, a husband-and-wife team taking their first stab at restaurant ownership.

Market Garden Brewery, Bar Cento, Bier Market and Nano Brew All to Reopen on Wednesday, March 10

By Douglas Trattner on February 19, 2021 at 12:39PM

and I and our entire team are thrilled to be reopening Market Garden Brewpub, Bier Markt, Bar Cento, and Nano Brew on Wednesday, March 10th for the St. Patrick's Week of festivities," McNulty states. "We believe St. Patrick deserves more than just a single day!

Pour Cleveland Permanently Shutters Downtown Retail Location

By Douglas Trattner on February 18, 2021 at 1:36PM

Charlie Eisenstat has permanently closed his downtown coffee shop Pour Cleveland, which he opened in 2013. The retail establishment had ceased serving customers in March and never reopened.

Birdigo in Solon Hopes to Make a Splash in Crowded Fast-Casual Fried Chicken Market

By Douglas Trattner on February 18, 2021 at 12:09PM

Three or four years ago, Imperial Wok owner Michael DuBois sat down with 56 Kitchen owner Jay Leitson to hatch a plan for a new restaurant venture. The top contender was fried chicken, a sector that in the years since has seen incredible growth.

Kate's Good Fish Company Pop-Up Now Running Every Weekend Through Lent

By Vince Grzegorek on February 17, 2021 at 12:09PM

Swensons Is Coming to Willoughby This Summer

By Vince Grzegorek on February 17, 2021 at 11:27AM

As Swensons continues regional expansion around the Cleveland and Columbus areas, it's set its sights eastward to Willoughby for yet another Galley Boy outpost. Tom Thielman, Willoughby's community development manager, confirmed the imminent arrival to the News-Herald.

After State's Ruling Revoking Its Liquor Permit for Covid Violations, Barley House Argues in Court Ohio's Covid Guidelines Are Illegal

By Vince Grzegorek on February 12, 2021 at 11:12AM

Rick Doody to Close Lindey’s Lake House in Beachwood and Reopen as Bar Italia

By Douglas Trattner on February 12, 2021 at 10:39AM

“I’m humble enough to say that if it doesn’t work, that’s okay. We tried,” says Rick Doody, owner of Cedar Creek Grille, 17 River Grille, Bar Italia and, at least through Valentine’s Day weekend, Lindey’s Lake House in Beachwood.

Cleveland's Now in Flavortown Thanks to Guy Fieri Ghost Kitchen

By Matthew Moyer on February 12, 2021 at 8:57AM

Cleveland's among the cities in which Food network personality, restauranteur and low-key swell fellow Guy Fieri is bringing Flavortown straight to every doorstep with his new ghost kitchen Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Kitchen, a collab between Fieri and Robert Earl, is a delivery-only concept that connects you and your taste buds with Fieri's extravagant concoctions in the comfort of your own home, posthaste.

DeWine Lifts Covid Curfew, Bars and Restaurants Can Resume Normal Hours

By Vince Grzegorek on February 11, 2021 at 2:37PM

With Covid hospitalization numbers continuing to fall, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced today the statewide curfew, which expired today, would not be extended. Fewer than 2,500 Ohioans had been hospitalized for seven straight days as of earlier this week, which led DeWine to roll back restrictions the state instituted in mid November that mandated bars and restaurants close early.

At Long Last, Tost Sandwich Cafe in Lakewood is Days from Opening

By Douglas Trattner on February 11, 2021 at 10:25AM

After more than a year of delays, Tost Sandwich Café (13427 Madison Ave.) in Lakewood is just days from opening its doors. Described by owner Tommy Karakostas as a “European-style deli and café,” the business will be a casual, comfortable destination for coffee, sandwiches and pastries.

After a Difficult 2020, A Slate of New Restaurant Openings Await Cleveland in 2021

By Douglas Trattner on February 10, 2021 at 9:18AM

2020 essentially was a “lost year” for Cleveland chefs and operators bent on opening a new place. Projects that were on pace to open last spring are right back where they started.

Study: 90% of Black Restaurant Workers Saw Massive Decline in Tips During the Pandemic

By Nina Rangel on February 9, 2021 at 11:30AM

A new report adds to the growing evidence that the pandemic is heightening disparities in the United States. Nearly 90% of Black restaurant employees report that their tips declined by half or more since the health crisis began, according to a new study by labor advocacy group One Fair Wage.

Support Local Businesses During Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week, Running Feb. 19-28

By Douglas Trattner on February 9, 2021 at 10:35AM

This year, more than ever, restaurants need the support of diners to keep them afloat. And while restaurants all over Greater Cleveland find themselves in dire straights, those located downtown are additionally burdened by the lack of events and foot traffic.