Broad Diversity and Beautiful Landscape
Cleveland Plus is a region rich in arts and culture. Home to the nation's second largest performing arts center, the country's most concentrated square mile of arts and culture, thousands of miles of natural wine country and a bourgeoning culinary scene, Cleveland Plus is quickly becoming a food and cultural epicenter that is often defined by the 117 different ethnicities it represents.
Cheers! Salud! Prost! Cleveland Plus Brews
Whether you're looking for a dark, chocolaty lager or a fragrant Indian pale ale, Cleveland Plus is a region that has earned its reputation as a place that knows its beer. Visitors can grab a cold one at one of the regions many microbreweries -- from Youngstown to Kelley's Island.
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Great Lakes Brewing Company, which is comprised of a brewery and brewpub, was the first microbrewery in the state of Ohio and today remains Ohio's most celebrated and award-winning brewer of lagers and ales. The Brewpub offers guests of all ages a memorable dining experience from start to finish, including their famous brats and pierogies.
216.771.4404, www.greatlakesbrewing.com
Willoughby Brewing Company
The Willoughby Brewing Company, or WBC (as its followers refer to it), features an array of micro-brews from classic American wheat ales to traditional German lagers. For a unique taste, try their Railway Razz jammed with deep-red berries or the Mad Cow Milk Stout which gets its full body and sweet finish from the addition of milk sugar.
440.975.0202, www.willoughbybrewing.com
The Cornerstone Brewing Company
The Cornerstone Brewing Company serves up its signature microbrews with hearty portions of comfort food in their two locations in Berea and Madison. The beers are naturally carbonated and have low foam due to Cornerstones' method of cask fermentation.
440.239.9820 (Berea), 440.983.4520 (Mentor), www.cornerstonebrewing.com
Ohio Brewing Company
Located across the street from Canal Park (home of the Akron Aeros minor league baseball team), is the Ohio Brewing Company pub and restaurant. The pub offers more than 20 beers on tap including the ruby red Cardinal Ale, the Gold Medal Winner of the World Beer Championships, and the Maple Porter, an Ohio-inspired brew.
330.376.3008, www.ohiobrewing.com
Cellar Rats Brewery
Now beer drinkers can sample microbrews alongside their wine-drinking counterparts! Cellar Rats Brewery, created by the assistant winemaker at Debonne Vineyards, opened in the award-winning winery and draws on numerous brewing traditions to make its beers, but always adds its own interpretations based on the changing seasons.
www.ratbrew.com
Rocky River Brewing Company
This 5,000-square-foot award-winning brewpub and restaurant, styled in a turn-of-the-century architectural style, offers a casual dining experience and award-winning, hand-crafted beers brewed with expertise.
440.895.2739, http://rrbc.squarespace.com
Put-in-Bay Brewing Company
If you're enjoying an island excursion at Put-in-Bay, make sure to hit up the Put-in-Bay Brewing Company to enjoy their selection of hand-crafted beers including the slightly sweet Summer Brew made from an English recipe, the dark Fat Man's Friend Brew made from roasted malts, and the smooth, lightly hopped Ole Cotton Top Irish Red.
419.285.4677, www.putinbaybrewery.com
From Cabernet to Ice Wine
The wine growing families in Cleveland Plus produce some of the finest grapes and nationally recognized wines in the nation. The uniqueness of these grapes occurs during their growth when cool winds blowing over the icy lake slow the growth of tender buds in the spring, the warm breezes extend the summer season into fall and the valleys collect cold spring air. Below are just a few of the area wineries and vineyards, but visit the Ohio Wine Association at www.ohiowines.org to learn more or to find an Ohio Wine Trail to follow.
Vermillion Valley Vineyards (NEW)
Recently opened in Lorain County, Vermillion Valley Vineyards features spacious views in the completely modern and totally green tasting facility. The vineyard, which is said to be the next wine-making jewel of Ohio, features red and white varietals ranging from Pinot Noir and Dornfelder to Chardonnay and Traminette. Lambrusca varieties like Concord, Niagara and Pink Catawba also will be available.
440.965.5202, www.vermilionvalleyvineyards.com
Quarry Hill Winery & Orchard (NEW)
Head to this expansive estate vineyard where the orchard is adapted to produce both fruit and grape wines. Located in Berlin Heights, the rolling acres of farmland offers spectacular panoramic views as you sip the grown-on-site wines and enjoy food from the market.
419.706.8005, www.quarryhillwinery.org
Paper Moon Vineyards (NEW)
Just off Route 2 in Vermilion sits Paper Moon Vineyards, serving a selection of regional and vinifera wines. The tasting room offers views of the vineyard, pond, foliage and an occasional bald eagle.
440.967.2500, www.papermoonvineyards.com
Debonne Vineyards
A family-owned and operated estate winery producing Vinifera and French Hybrid varietals, enjoy wine tastings, cellar and vineyard tours throughout the year. And, check out their musically-themed wines and labels created by local artist Hector Vega including Jazz White, Harmony and Razzberry Riesling.
440.466.34.86, www.debonne.com
Ferrante Winery & Ristorante
Tucked into the heart of the vineyards, Ferrante offers a luscious contemporary oak-laden atmosphere. Visit the tasting bar to sample a range of nationally award-winning red, white and blush wines.
www.ferrantewinery.com
Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant
Located in the heart of the Grand River Valley Wine Region, this unique winery dates back to 1972. Grand River Cellars offers a sense of warmth and welcome.
440.298.9838, www.grandrivercellars.com
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Firelands Winery
Firelands makes extraordinary wines available at reasonable prices. The winery is the pioneer in establishing European Vinifera grape varieties in the east. Introducing these vines, and subsequently new wines, to the area has only added to Firelands gaining a distinctive reputation as a leader in producing diverse local wines.
419.625.5474 www.firelandswinery.com
Mon Ami Winery
One of the oldest wineries in the region, Mon Ami is known for its sweeter varietals including the production of local champagne. Additionally, guests can choose the formal dining room or more casual Chalet for a relaxing and warm dining experience.
800.777.4266, www.monamiwinery.com
Heineman Winery
A trip to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island wouldn't be complete without a tour and tasting at the historic Heineman Winery. For more than a century, this winery has been producing some of Ohio's finest wines, while providing tours of the nearby Crystal Cave. Winery open mid-April through late October.
419.285.2811, www.heinemanswinery.com
Maize Valley Winery
Located in Hartville, Maize Valley Winery makes wine tasting fun. They offer a range of wines in their 150-year-old barn where visitors can purchase locally grown produce and more than 80 different mets and cheeses. Also stick around for wagon rides, a tour of the farm, bocce ball and a corn maze.
330.877.8344, www.maizevalleywinery.com
The Cleveland Independents
The Cleveland Independents (www.clevelandindependents.com or 216.932.3322) is a group of locally owned and operated restaurants that share a commitment to their community and a passion for excellence in food and service. The group offers specials and discounted online gift certificates. Only six years old, Cleveland Independents now boasts nearly 90 members, making it the largest organization of its kind in the country.
New on the Culinary Front
French, American and Italian cuisines highlight the flavors entering the region's burgeoning culinary scene.
L'Albatros -- Chef Zack Bruell is back for more in his newest endeavor, L'Albatros. The brassierie serves cravable neo-French cuisine. Enjoy the upscale elegance of this European menu in a clean, sophisticated environment that is neither stuffy nor overdone.
216.791.7880, www.albatrosbrasserie.com
The Greenhouse Tavern -- Chef Jonathan Sawyer evokes the farm-to-plate movement in his new restaurant, The Greenhouse Tavern. Sawyer and his wife (and business partner) believe that the proximity of the farm to the restaurant directly correlates with the quality of food. This new restaurant exhibits this concept with an eclectic French overtone. It's also the first LEED-certified restaurant in Ohio. Nearly everything in this upscale eatery is made of recycled materials.
216.443.0511, www.greenhousetavern.com
Bar Symon -- Born and raised in Cleveland "Iron" chef Michael Symon, who owns and operates two of the country's most acclaimed restaurants, Lola and its more casual sister, Lolita, adds to his superior culinary repertoire with Bar Symon, an American bar and brasserie located in Avon. Here a snobbish gourmand and a white-collar twenty-something can comfortably rub elbows during happy hour. The low price point and eclectic spin on classic bar food creates a masterful concept that has critics talking.
440.933.5652, www.barsymon.com
B Spot and Bar Symon at The Q
In addition to the location in Avon, two additional Michael Symon locations are open in Quicken Loans Arena. The B Spot, located in the main concourse near the CAVS Team Shop, features Symon's famous burgers, brats and craft beers. In the Huntington Bank Level upstairs, guests can find Bar Symon at The Q featuring an abbreviated menu of the restaurant in Avon with specialty items like his rosemary and goat cheese mac & cheese and snack items.
www.theqarena.com/news/symon_091002.php
Restaurant Dante (Coming Soon) -- Serving up his inspiring modern American cuisine, Chef Dante Bocuzzi is a legend among Cleveland foodies. Dante came home to Cleveland after 16 years of working in some of the best restaurants throughout the world. He was Executive Chef at Charlie Palmer's flagship restaurant, Aureole, in New York City. His impressive resume also includes restaurants in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, France, England, Taiwan, China, and Italy, where he was the Executive Chef at Giorgio Armani's famed Armani/NOBU in Milan. He will be opening Restaurant Dante sometime this fall in Tremont.
216 274.1200, www.restaurantdante.us
The Chocolate Bar (Coming Soon) -- Chocoholics prepare. Cleveland Plus native, Joe Novak, is bringing this wildly popular restaurant that focuses on this beloved sweet treat to Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland this November. The Chocolate Bar, which is designed specifically for women, is a restaurant that serves lunch, dinner, cocktails and, of course, dessert. A full 50 percent of the menu is dedicated to sweets including tarts, cakes, crepes, ice cream, fondue and brownies. The Chocolate Bar will be the second of its kind in the United States.
http://originalchocolatebar.com
Chinato (Coming Soon)
Chef Zack Bruell will soon open Chinato. an Italian restaurant in the thriving East Fourth Street neighborhood. While the menu is still very much under wraps, Bruell plans to style this restaurant so that customers feel like they're walking into an old-fashioned sepia photograph. The casual but elegant nature of the restaurant will be comparable to L'Albatros and will feature simple ingredients with profound taste.
Eating Niche
Classic candies? Ethnic foods? 20 different kinds of grilled cheese? If it's niche and delicious, Cleveland Plus offer it.
b. a. Sweetie Candies -- From wax lips to PEZ dispensers to gourmet jellybeans, this amazing store has every delight for every sweet tooth. You have to see it to believe it.
216.739.2244 or 888.267.9340 www.sweetiescandy.com
Sokolowski's University Inn
Run by the third generation of Sokolowski family members, the University Inn is famous for its Polish menu featuring pierogi, bratwurst, cabbage and noodles and the kind of food that grandma used to make.
216.771.8967, www.sokolowskis.com
Melt Bar Grilled -- Grilled cheese is a favorite to all, old and young. But this isn't your typical piece of American cheese slabbed between two slices of white bread. Melt features more than 20 different takes on the original all with their own unique twist. Try a "Parmageddon" stuffed with onions, kraut and a potato and cheese pierogi. This amazing restaurant receives national attention -- we encourage you to see why.
216.226.3699 www.meltbarandgrilled.com
Baricelli Inn --The restaurant at the Baricelli Inn serves European/American cuisine in seven romantic and cozy dining parlors, many with wood-burning fireplaces. But what makes this restaurant unique, is its exquisite selection of cheese. Capturing the diversity and richness of Europe and the farmlands of America, Baricelli "blooms" over 40 varieties of the finest, hand-crafted and properly aged goat, cow and sheep milk cheeses in its state-of-the-art affinage cooler.
216.791.6500, www.baricelli.com
Slyman's -- While certainly not the "haute couture" of upscale culinary, the highly coveted Slyman's Deli has been serving Cleveland's best corned beef sandwiches for countless generations.
216.621.3760 www.slymans.com
Das Schnitzel Haus
Tastebuds are tempted at Das Schnitzel Haus, featuring authentic German food in Parma. The menu is adorned with homemade schnitzels, goulash, potato pancakes, bratwurst, sauerbraten, spetzel, pierogies and much more.
440.886.5050, www.dasschnitzelhaus
Notable Neighborhoods
With national recognition as a foodie's paradise, the likes of a true "Iron" Chef and more than 117 ethnicities represented, the Cleveland food scene is growing at a wild pace. But many of the nicest restaurants that encircle the region truly bring to life the unique neighborhoods in which they're located. So, make an all encompassing trip out of the neighborhoods visited for, what you thought was, just a special dining experience.
OHIO CITY
Just across the Cuyahoga River and west of downtown, Ohio City is home of the West Side Market. The landmark, easily identified by its graceful clock tower, is the site of 180 booths offering a tempting assortment of fresh produce, bakery, meats and other specialties from around the world. In addition to a number of incredible ethnic eateries, Ohio City has many lovely renovated Victorian-era homes.
Light Bistro
Chef Matthew Mathlage's Light Bistro has a menu of small plates and larger dishes meant for sharing. The menu encompasses everything from pickled heirloom tomato soup to grilled ostrich with creamy shallot orzo.
216.771.7130, www.lightbistro.com
Momocho
Modern Mexican food including six different kinds of guacamole (one is made with goat cheese and poblano chiles) and chilaquiles with smoked trout, crab and a fried egg.
216.694.2122, www.momocho.com
Ponte Vecchio
Guests can satisfy their taste buds with Ponte Vecchio's Northern Italian cuisine while enjoying an uncanny panoramic view of downtown Cleveland and the Cuyahoga River. Located on a viaduct in the Stonebridge neighborhood, this upscale restaurant features al fresco dining in the summer and daily happy hour specials.
216.556.8200, www.pontevecchioristorante.com
Flying Fig
Owned by Cleveland Chef Karen Smalls, the Flying Fig prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients with a creative flare. The restaurant presents sleek décor with classic cuisine.
216.241.4243, www.theflyingfig.com
Bar Cento
Inspired by the Romans and their love affair with neighborly, warm cafés and restaurants comes Bar Cento. This cool little spot in Ohio City offers up a menu with eclectic pizzas and other small plate offerings. Afterwards, guests should head over to McNulty's Bier Markt (which is attached) featuring a rotating selection of draft beers and 80 bottled beers, many of them Belgian or Belgian-style.
216.274.1010, www.barcento.com
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh serves up superb Cambodian dishes that won't break the bank. This BYOB restaurant offers every Thai noodle combination possible plus an incredible array of soups.
216.357.2951, 216.251.1230 or www.ohiorestaurant.com,
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