CLE Foodcast

I wanted to call this episode Ice Ice Baby, but I was concerned that many of my listeners would not get the reference. If you DO get the reference you are truly among my people, This episode is presented in partnership with the Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau and it is all about Ohio's Grand River Valley, a premier wine-making region. We're talking ice wine, a variety of wine that allows for creativity and that appeals to all types of wine drinkers. Ice wine is the focal point of the Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival which is happening all through March. Seven locations on the "ice wine trail" offer pairings and difference experiences for the ice-wine-curious. In this episode I speak to two winemakers and you'll learn how ice wine is grown, harvested and produced, and you will get a taste of what awaits you in the nearby Grand River Valley. (For more Ashtabula information, try episode 88). Thanks to Chef Douglas Katz for being a supporter of the CLE Foodcast and to the Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau for the collaboration.

Put down your Timbits, and head to one of Banter's two locations for a pile of poutine! Banter recently reopened in Gordon Square and the combination bottle shop, sausage haus and poutinerie is the place to be for hearty fare inspired by the Quebecois (sometimes called the less dignified-sounding "Quebeckers." Plenty of research went into Banter, which also has a second take out shop at the Van Aken District. Owner Matt Stipe wants you to think about the poutine, which takes some liberties from the traditional brown gravy and curds variety, but he also takes great pride in being a wine and beer shop, with curated selections he chose himself. Trust me on this, the fries alone are worth the visit. But, considering that you can top them in a myriad of ways, with squeaky Ohio-made cheese curds, well you've got something close to paradise, friends. This episode is presented with support from Chef Douglas Katz. Partners include the Cleveland International Film Festival, April 3-13, 2024, and the Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau.

After roughly 10 years associated with Saucisson, the artisan butcher shop she built with former partner Penny Tagliarina, Melissa Khoury knew the time had come to walk away. Earning and plenty of local and national notoriety, including coverage in Food and Wine and Oprah's magazine, and the chance to "Beat Bobby Flay," the little Slavic Village butcher shop that could DID IT ALL. Penny left to pursue a career in hospitality in Arizona and Mel continued to run the shop, hoping for a Slavic Village revitalization that still hasn't arrived. After facing, and surviving, other life-changing things like a pandemic, a health scare, and turning 40, Melissa decided to close Saucisson at the end of 2023. I am truly honored to have heard her story and to bring it to you. This episode is presented with support from Chef Douglas Katz and the Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau.

Kevin Kane is the general manager of Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar in downtown Cleveland—no small role given that the 30,000-sq.-ft. restaurant is housed in a restored historic landmark and offers some of the most elevated food and service in the region. The opulent restaurant is a place for grand celebrations, high-powered business dinners and celebrity sightings as much as it is a place for intimate dinners for two and almost nightly marriage proposals. A restaurant of this caliber comes with big expectations and a high price tag to match, though it also comes with a promise...to be one of the best experiences of your life. That's where Kevin and his management and culinary team come in. Having had the opportunity to dine here several times, I was always curious about the vision behind the experience, especially the approach to exceptional service. Kevin gives some insight into how everything comes together at the Marble Room, including the origins of his own approach to hospitality, and just how many people have to work together in concert to deliver on the promise of a memorable meal.

Let's get something straight. For the purposes of this conversation, it's "Chutni" not "chutney," ya'll! Entrepreneur Sahithya Wintrich developed her unique line of products during the pandemic. She wondered if she could bring some of the umami-packed flavors of her home country to the mainstream. The result is Chutni Punch, a trio of condiments designed to "punch up" dishes with flavors and ingredients common to Southern India cuisine. Beloved by local chefs and avid cooks, these sprinkle-on condiments have flavors of chickpeas, peanut, sesame, curry leaves, and chili peppers, all in subtly different combinations that add complexity and interest to things like eggs, avocado toast, popcorn and even some pizza or pierogi! As Sahithya explains, most Indian food we think of is different than Southern Indian cuisine. These are a great way to experiment with newer flavors on the full spectrum of Indian food. We talk about how her previous tech-oriented career helped to guide the research and development of Chutni Punch, the three flavor combinations (and I taste them!), and the holistic vision for her emerging brand. Available at many local stores or check out her new gift packaging at Chutnipunch.com. This podcast is made possible with support from Chef Douglas Katz, The Van Aken District, and Cookin Genie.

Regardless of what you celebrate—Christmas, Hanukkah or the Winter Solstice—your plans probably include gift-giving. The CLE Foodcast Holiday Gift Episode aims to help you with that daunting task with an hour or so of suggestions for all types of gifts. I invited my friend and small biz advisor Pat Bennett to join me and we share some of our favorite local businesses, products and entrepreneurs. We recorded this episode from the Van Aken District where a collection of small, unique locally-owned businesses are thriving. Don't miss Van Aken District's Small Business Saturday activities on Nov. 25, but as you know at the CLE Foodcast we believe in shopping small, and local, all year! In this episode we share many gift ideas for you, and a number of them can be found at the Van Aken District on the "East Side." This episode was also created in partnership with Cookin' Genie, a woman-owned personal chef company that is accessible to all of us...not just the rich and famous! Special thanks to Chef Doug Katz for being a supporter of the CLE Foodcast.

You may have heard about endangered species of the animal kingdom but did you know there are also wild, native foods that are also worthy of our protection? With the keen eye and palate of of a culinary historian and the spirit of an intrepid adventurer, Sarah recounts her five-year research project and shares her learnings with us in Endangered Eating, America's Vanishing Foods. The changing landscape of farming and agriculture, the effects of climate change and an insatiable global demand for special foods are all reasons why some foods are at risk of dying out. Sugarcane, dates, wild rice, Navajo sheep, and some heritage apple varieties are just a few foods that have fallen on hard times. The news isn't all bad, as Sarah found out on her cross-country journey, because there are people who are working to protect and revitalize these foods through study and careful management. This episode is made possible with support from Chef Douglas Katz, and in partnership from The Van Aken District and Cookin' Genie.

Euclid-born Kenny Gilbert was cooking Thanksgiving dinner for his family at 11 years old. Influenced by his mom and dad, Kenny learned an early appreciation for both southern food and midwest BBQ. Fast forward 40 years, and Chef Kenny Gilbert is on a book tour for his new cookbook, Southern Cooking, Global Flavors where he melds southern favorites with all kinds of world influences from places he has lived and worked. We talk about the meaning of "fusion" cuisine which, for Kenny, goes deeper than what is on the plate. It's about the blending of cultures in marriages and families and how we all make things better when we unite and work together. We also talk about his successful Jacksonville restaurant, Silkies Fried Chicken and Champagne Bar, and why we might see them in other cities soon. In this episode you will hear how Chef Kenny's early years shaped his amazing culinary career and how he got to cook some special meals for "O-Dub." This episode is presented with support from Chef Douglas Katz and The Van Aken District.

When you think of “homesteading” what image comes up in your mind? The Amish? Pioneers? Maybe some mountain man types? Alan Block and Chris Zielski are nothing like that. Well, they don’t have a furnace…but they do have an incredible amount of knowledge of science and agriculture behind the pursuit of simple, authentic living at their Flannel Dog Farm in Ashtabula County. Alan is a self-taught bread baker, beekeeper and farmer, and Chris is an accomplished metal artist with clients around the world. They live off their land as much as possible and what they don’t grow, raise, or make, they obtain from other local sources. I spent a night in a remote (ish) tiny house on their property, sat around a fire, read by lantern light, and awoke to an all-local breakfast before interviewing the couple. I felt rejuvenated, comfortable, easy—things that can be hard to find in my daily life. In this episode I talk to the couple about how they made their move from Cleveland to Ashtabula County to build their dream life of self-sufficiency, how they contribute to the local ecosystem of makers, and what kind of environment they want to create for guests of Flannel Dog Farm. Thanks to Chef Douglas Katz for sponsoring this podcast.

What does fall in Ohio look like to you? To me, autumn along the north shore means sweatshirt days, juicy purple grapes, picturesque apple orchards, and cozy fires with a glass of seasonal beer. Fall is prime time in Ashtabula County! "Instagramable" in every way, there are covered bridges, windswept beaches, farm markets, and plenty of local food and drink options. I spent 36 hours discovering this diversely beautiful county, hearing harbortown lore, drinking and eating delicious food, and driving miles of open road to find covered bridges and concord grape juice...and so many pumpkins! This episode was made in partnership with the Ashtabula County Convention and Visitors Bureau who invited me to share my Ashtabula County experience with you. In this episode, you meet four people who know a lot about the area. Margaret Price, with the Ashtabula CVB, Gallo (one name only!) from Harbor Gardens, Ryan Sposito from Cloven Hoof Brewing, and Cole Emde of Nights and Weekends, a Neapolitan pizza spot. A special thanks to Harbor Haven, a terrific, modern townhouse on Bridge Street, in the picturesque harbor area. Find it in the link or on Airbnb. Start planning your trip now at VisitAshtabulaCounty.com.

Rosie Galaz is a long way from her birthplace of Chile, but she's keeps her distant family close in photos on the walls of her restaurant Pachamama Kitchen and Garden. Rosie and partner Chef Will Norris present tapas, wines and cocktails that reflect a mix of culinary influences infused with fresh, clean produce of the season, much of it grown on their own three farm sites. Pachamama (Andean for "Earth Mother") is the embodiment of Rosie herself—warm, welcoming, and fixed on growth and renewal. The restaurant feels intimate and special, without any element of fuss or pretension, and is perfect for intimate conversations or a vibrant group gathering. The design includes natural elements and thoughtful accents that nod to her heritage. In this conversation you'll hear how the birth of Pachamama connected Rosie to her South American agricultural roots, her journey from Chile to Cleveland by way of many other cities during her culinary career, and the example and legacy she wants to be for other young women, and for her own son.

Tzedakah is the Jewish word for charity and justice, a cornerstone of the work at the Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry. Behind this South Euclid-based nonprofit is a family origin story resulting in three generations of helping others. Sarah Yaffe Alevsky recently succeeded her mother-in-law, who had taken over the Kosher Food Pantry from her own parents, Rabbi Zalman Kazen and Shula Kazen, who started the organization in the 70s. Sarah heard the call and, with her husband, moved the family from New York to Cleveland to assume leadership of the food pantry which serves around 6,000 people each month. Their work is not limited to the Jewish community. We talk about her family tradition of serving others, the upcoming Jewish holidays, and the evolution of the pantry as the need in the community continues to grow. This episode is presented with support from Chef Douglas Katz and the Ashtabula County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Hank Kornblut could have had the life of an academic, teaching English literature to students, and maybe writing a"great American novel." How lucky we are that the setting for his life's story became the family business, running the second generation of Mister Brisket, a no-frills butcher shop in Cleveland Heights that will celebrate 50 years in 2024. I ask Hank about the store's iconic name, what they offer that's different than grocery stores, and why everyone is crazy about brisket. He also shares how, over the years, he's pivoted the shop into new directions including being a purveyor of meats for professional BBQ competitions all across the United States. This episode is presented in partnership with Chef Douglas Katz and the Katz group of restaurants and the Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau. Stay tuned for an episode all about fall fun in Ashtabula County!

Chris Bush of Hiveworks Honey Company fell into beekeeping when a neighbor left town and passed along a few of his beehives. Now, he has collections of hives all over Northeast Ohio and runs Hiveworks Honey Company, which produces honey for sale with a mission to employ differently-abled people. As the world's climate conditions change, there is a lot of talk about the importance of keeping pollinators safe. Even the United Nations has studied their role in global food production. In our conversation we stay closer to home, talking about how some local honey tastes a little minty (it really does!) thanks to the many Linden trees spread across the area. I got to spend time with Chris at his hive site in Riverside Cemetery which was oddly appropriate in a circle-of-life kinda way. And bees, well in their lives they essentially do three things...spread pollen, make honey and serve the queen. This episode is presented by Chef Douglas Katz and the Katz group of restaurants and the Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau.

Join me for a conversation with Chef Rocco Whalen just two days before the biggest and boldest project of his life would take flight. In this minimally-edited episode, you will find yourself injected into the manic mind of a chef and entrepreneur days away from the realization of a dream. In June, 2023, Chef Rocco Whalen presided over his final dinner service at Fahrenheit Tremont. It was a special place that anchored a growing neighborhood for 21 years, giving a young Cleveland kid the canvas to develop into one of Cleveland's most recognized and regarded culinary pros in the midwest. One month later Rocco, with wife and partner Alexis Dankovich, and a close team of culinary and hospitality pros, opened a new downtown Fahrenheit at 55 Public Square, activating a space that sat vacant for years and turning it into the new see-and-be-seen spot that food writer and critic Doug Trattner called " the new culinary epicenter of downtown Cleveland." Enjoy a sneak peek of what the new Fahrenheit has to offer mixed with musings from a local guy who just wants to do right by the city he loves. This episode is presented with support from Chef Douglas Katz and the Katz Group of Restaurants and The Mohicans Luxury Treehouse Resort and Wedding Venue.

There are many reasons people eliminate alcohol from their diet and lifestyle and the "sober-curious" movement seems to be growing. Those who choose not to drink when socializing are often met with uninspired "mocktails" or simply resort to the old standby, club soda with lime. Molly Cheraso, a former risk management pro turned "dry bar" owner, has just opened Verbena Free Spirited in Hingetown. It's an all day café too, but at 3 pm the bar opens with some of the most creative, inspired N/A drinks you've ever seen. And, she's done the research on the best N/A spirits, mixers, wines and beers so you can purchase to make your own drinks at home. Get the scoop on how Molly was motivated her to make some changes in her own life and what led to her opening Cleveland's first non-alcoholic bar. This episode is made possible with support from Chef Douglas Katz, and The Mohicans.

This was the first time I sat down with both brothers, Bob and Lee Jones, the second generation operators behind Farmer Jones Farm and The Chef's Garden in Huron, Ohio. Farmer Lee is the more familiar, red bow-tied public face of the business, collaborating with chefs and TV personalities across the country to spread the word. Bob Jr. is the the boots-on-the-ground innovator, bringing the revolutionary ideas of their father to life. We talked around a picnic table within view of their bustling farmers market, abundant with the harbingers of spring like rhubarb, strawberries, and asparagus. With the pandemic fallout and a catastrophic barn fire in their rear view, the brothers are back to their usual modus operandi growing some of the most nutrient-dense vegetables in existence using regenerative agriculture practices. Both men evangelize the importance of a plant-forward plate. Sure, it's good for business. But it is also the key to a healthy planet and people. Outside of taking care of their restaurant clients, and the needs of the general public, the Jones brothers are quietly innovating, growing collaborations with chefs and the medical community, and bringing back events and activities for people to fully appreciate the culinary potential of what they grow. This episode is presented by Chef Douglas Katz, and the Katz Group of Restaurants, and The Mohicans Luxury Treehouse Resort.

CSA programs serve a really important purpose (many, actually) but they can be out of reach for many people in our community. Enter City Fresh, a CSA Farm Box Program designed by the people, for all people, because everyone deserves access to nutritious, fresh foods. This conversation with City Fresh Executive Director Anna Kiss Mauser-Martinez (who has a fantastic story about her name) and Farmer Liaison Sam Paskert sheds light on the ethos of City Fresh, which has 15 locations around Northeast Ohio and a mission that is inclusive in every way. We talk about why the City Fresh model is different and cover big topics like climate resiliency, social justice and food injustice. We also talk about how I can't embrace kohlrabi or wrap my arms around the idea of eating Patty Pan squash. You will also hear what goes into running a CSA from Anna Kiss, and how Sam feels about picking the items in your shares. This episode is presented with support from Chef Douglas Katz and The Mohicans, and was developed in partnership with City Fresh, one of my summertime pod partners.

Cleveland's West Side Market opened to great fanfare in 1912 and is still an important shopping destination for locals and tourists. Passion for the market remains strong among northeast Ohio residents and a new city administration that seems to understand the significance of the place. It's on the National Register of Historic Places and one of the top tourist stops in the city. More than a century old, the West Side Market has held up remarkably well but at this critical moment it must adapt and renovate to protect its relevance and secure its future. My guests include Crystal Montgomery, a historic preservation specialist for the City of Cleveland and authors Laura Taxel and Marilou Suszko, who wrote Cleveland's West Side Market: 100 Years and Still Cooking, released on the occasion of the market's 100th anniversary. This episode was recorded live at the Cleveland History Center as part of the In the Market Speaker Series, a program of community conversations made possible by community partners and the PNC Foundation. The topic of this program was the history and architecture of the West Side Market and we cover the physical structure of the building itself, the history of the neighborhood, market vendors over time, and some of the civic and cultural dynamics that were behind the creation of the iconic public marketplace that stands today. This episode is presented by Chef Douglas Katz and the Katz group of restaurants and City Fresh.

Imagine this. You're sitting at home and you get kinda thirsty. To quench your thirst, to satisfy this basic human need, you have to walk two miles each way to get yourself some water. This is a real experience for people in remote, underdeveloped regions of the world. Erin Huber, founder of Drink Local Drink Tap knows these circumstances all too well. For 13 years her Cleveland-based nonprofit organization has been working to improve water equity, advocate for better water resources and educate the next generation of water users because clean water is a basic human right. In this episode we hear what life is like in parts of Uganda, where DLDT works to develop systems to bring water, sanitation and hygiene to communities and also what her organization is doing right here in Northeast Ohio. Water problems used to be something that happened somewhere else, but climate change, overdevelopment and population growth have made water access a first world problem that will only get more acute if we don't take our water seriously. This episode is made possible by Chef Douglas Katz with support from Tomato Monster Heirlooms.