Ohio City Galley to Open Friday, October 26

by Douglas Trattner on October 19, 2018 at 2:42PM

"As of next Friday we are all systems go," says chef Anthony Zappola of the Rice Shop, one of four new food concepts that will be operating at Ohio City Galley. Since it was announced last year, the project has been steadily taking shape in the historic Forest City Bank Building at the corner of West 25th and Detroit Avenue, formerly home to Massimo Da Milano restaurant. Like Smallman Galley and Federal Galley in Pittsburgh, Ohio City Galley is a large, animated space with a bar, communal seating and multiple restaurant concepts.

Mitchell's Ice Cream Opens Today at Van Aken District

by Douglas Trattner on October 18, 2018 at 9:15AM

If all goes as planned, Mitchell's Homemade Ice Cream will open its 10th scoop shop at Van Aken District, the new urban hub presently taking shape in Shaker. Brothers Mike and Pete Mitchell will tell you that every location is dear to them, but this one has a special look, feel and location that sets it apart.

Now Open: Sesame and Soy Asian Takeout in Tremont

by Douglas Trattner on October 11, 2018 at 2:18PM

Update: All systems are go for Sesame and Soy, a new Asian take-out and delivery concept in Tremont. *** (Original story 08/14/18):

Souper Market Will Open in Former Tea House Noodles Spot on East 6th

by Douglas Trattner on October 11, 2018 at 11:23AM

In August, Tea House Noodles (1900 E. 6th St.) closed its doors after two decades in the business of feeding busy downtown commuters. It was only a matter of days before the petite space was claimed by a new operator.

Coming Soon: La Plaza Taqueria at La Plaza Supermarket

by Douglas Trattner on October 10, 2018 at 4:01PM

“It has always been in his mind to do this,” Gonzales says of Ortega, her boss. “It’s just that first you have to get customers.

Cleveland ClusterTruck Food Delivery is No More (For Now)

by Douglas Trattner on October 10, 2018 at 9:42AM

ClusterTruck appeared to be on a tear. Since launching two years ago in Indianapolis, this tech-driven food-delivery startup added locations in Bloomington, Columbus, Denver, Kansas City and Cleveland, which debuted last November.

Ohio's Most Popular Halloween Candy in 2018 Won't Melt in Your Hand

by Laura Morrison on October 8, 2018 at 4:13PM

New Ohio Festival Celebrates Craft Maple Syrup and Rare Maple Bourbon Barrel Aged Beers

by Douglas Trattner on October 8, 2018 at 1:59PM

Nate Bissell likes to call maple-bourbon-aged beers “some of the rarest beers on planet Earth.” And after listening to him explain how they’re made (when they’re made the legitimate way), it’s tough to argue the point. First, you need to secure a recently drained bourbon barrel, preferably one from a top maker like Pappy Van Winkle.

Now Open: The Grocery OHC in New Quarter Development

by Douglas Trattner on October 5, 2018 at 9:22AM

but we will offer more of the things people need when you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, I have nothing in my refrigerator and I want something that’s healthy,'” Kingsbury explains. “The more you give people the ability to get things easily, the more likely they are to add it into their schedule.

Poison Berry Bakery on Larchmere to Close after Holidays

by Douglas Trattner on October 2, 2018 at 9:52AM

we will not be able to keep Poison Berry open much longer,” the couple wrote on their Facebook page. “While it’s been an amazing year and a half (or so), our time is up and we are almost out of money (are we allowed to say that?).”

After 22 Years, a Changing of the Guard at Johnny Mango

by Douglas Trattner on September 27, 2018 at 9:45AM

While combining foods from Mexico, the Caribbean and even the Far East on a single menu might sound ill-advised, nobody can argue with the results. Next month, Johnny Mango will celebrate its 22nd birthday, a milestone for any concern, but a downright outlier in the cutthroat restaurant business.

Sorry, Fellas. Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery Has Closed

by Douglas Trattner on September 25, 2018 at 5:31PM

After a surprising six-year run, Cleveland’s Tilted Kilt has closed. The “breastaurant” featured plaid-skirted and bikini-ed “Kilt Girls” who served up chicken wings, fish and chips and Shepherd's Pie to, well, apparently not enough people.

Lilly Handmade Chocolates Now Open in New Location in Old Brooklyn

by Douglas Trattner on September 25, 2018 at 2:15PM

Update: It may have taken a little longer than expected — and, honestly, when isn't that the case when talking about a new restaurant or bar — but the fine folks behind Lilly Handmade Chocolates opened their new location in Old Brooklyn over the weekend after shuttering the original spot in Tremont in May in advance of the move. Find them at 2032 W Schaaf Rd. and online.

Bourbon Legends Boxcar Tour Bound for Cleveland

by Douglas Trattner on September 24, 2018 at 2:54PM

The Bourbon Legends Boxcar Tour is like a politician’s whistle-stop tour but in place of empty promises there is delicious American whiskey. The unique bourbon pop-up experience is making stops in just four U.S. cities before the end of the year: Denver, Houston, Cleveland and New York City.

Chef Jeff Fisher to Open Salted Dough Artisan Pizza in Broadview Hts.

by Douglas Trattner on September 19, 2018 at 1:18PM

Chef Jeff Fisher, long of Crust and Touch Supper Club, will open his own restaurant in Broadview Heights. When it opens in late October or November, Salted Dough Artisan Pizza (9174 Broadview Rd.), will offer a full-service experience built around pizza, yes, but also a broader menu of American and Italian selections.

Fat Head's Brewery to Launch Whole Hog Sundays

by Douglas Trattner on September 13, 2018 at 10:30AM

But more important than the equipment is the expertise. For that, Cole turned to his buddy on the competition barbecue circuit, Heath Riles.

10th Annual Lakewood Chocolate Walk Returns Oct. 25

by Jeff Niesel on September 13, 2018 at 9:14AM

The evening ends at First Federal Lakewood, where there’ll be a raffle drawing. “Our annual Chocolate Walk represents a unique opportunity to showcase Lakewood’s vibrancy,” says Ian Andrews, Executive Director of LakewoodAlive, in a press release.

CHA Spirits and Pizza in Ohio City Will Close for Good This Saturday

by Vince Grzegorek on September 13, 2018 at 9:06AM

First Look: Bookhouse Brewing, Opening this Weekend in Ohio City

by Douglas Trattner on September 12, 2018 at 10:12AM

Burgers 2 Beer in Lakewood Closes

by Douglas Trattner on September 10, 2018 at 11:10AM

This past weekend, Burgers 2 Beer unexpectedly closed its Lakewood location (14725 Detroit Rd.) after two years in business. Elie Chamoun, founder of the popular burger chain, says the owner, who is a franchisee, fell behind on rent and never recovered.