TOP NEWS

Ficarra Cellars planned for Valley View

Carl Cocita’s plans for Ficarra Cellars are moving along with a summer target opening. It’s a winery / wine shop / restaurant that is designed to resemble an Italian square or village with faux storefronts. Cocita plans to bring in traditional Italian dishes. READ MORE

Kyuu-Juu pop-up gives Cleveland a taste of Japanese tapas

Kyuu-Juu, a Japanese Tapas pop-up, revolutionizes Cleveland's sushi scene with innovative dishes like Kurage jellyfish and Akami-Bluefin tuna with caviar. Chef Ryan Endrian was inspired by L.A.'s omakase culture and wanted to introduce Clevelanders to unique sushi experiences. READ MORE

How Lake Erie Distillery accidentally became one of Northeast Ohio’s favorite new distilleries

As part of cleveland.com’s Spirited Women Ohio series, we visited Lake Erie Distillery in Willoughby. The distillery specializes in both classic and unique offerings like traditional bourbon, pickle-flavored vodka and more in its lineup. The distillery also houses a tasting room, lounge and bottle shop for visitors to explore more about the local brand. READ MORE

'We miss Moxie’ - restaurateurs bringing back classic restaurant

Moxie enjoyed more than 20 years in business in Beachwood. Now, it’s returning in Chagrin Falls. Brad Friedlander and his business partner Michael DuBois are converting Aurelia Honest Food and Drink on Main Street to Moxie. Soon, customers who have been telling them they miss Moxie will be able to enjoy its revival, albeit in a smaller place. READ MORE

Meet Marc Bona, part of your ‘Dine Drink CLE’ team

Our Renaissance Man is also a marathon man. The team’s untiring wordsmith writes books when he’s not cranking out mountains of stories on restaurants, food, beer and wine, sports, entertainment, history and features. We learned about all his favorite dining spots. READ MORE

ICYMI: “Best of Cleveland” team’s “Best Tacos in Greater Cleveland”

We wanna taco ‘bout the top three finishers in the recent “Cinco de Mayo”-inspired contest. Monarca in Medina, La Plaza Taqueria in Cleveland and multi-spot Blue Habanero make up the winners. We’re done with our visits and will have an eyeful for you next week. READ MORE

Classic CLE Eats & Drinks solves you summer quaffing quandaries!

Don’t be that guy/gal who slings macrobrews at cookout and picnic guests! We have some deliciously different (and decidedly crushable) local suds you should pour for your homies – all of them lovingly crafted in the NEO region. Raise your glasses! READ MORE

The Yard on 3rd debuts Miss Peaches cocktail honoring Barstool Sports’ internet-famous pooch

The Yard on 3rd in Willoughby is jumping on the love for Barstool Sports owner Dave Portnoy’s internet-famous rescue dog Miss Peaches. The Yard will serve the cocktail from its opening weekend on May 10 through June 30. Proceeds from the drink will benefit local charities that help animals — GRIN Rescue, Euclid Pet Pals, Lake Human Society and K9 Heroes 4 Heroes. READ MORE

World Beer Cup winners announced

Eight breweries in the state – including three in Northeast Ohio - have won awards in the World Beer Cup competition. Fat Head’s Brewery led the way with three medals. We've got a list of breweries and beers that won. READ MORE

Saucy Brew Works takes over Urban Meyer’s Pint House

Cleveland-based Saucy Brew Works is taking over Urban Meyer’s Pint House in Dublin. The bar, namesake of the former Ohio State football coach, will remain pretty much intact, though Saucy beers will be added to an extensive tap list. READ MORE

Change is coming to West Side Market as Cleveland officially hands management to non-profit board

After 14 months of debate, meetings and planning, the city of Cleveland will officially hand over management of the West Side Market today to the Cleveland Public Market Corporation. The city will retain ownership of the land and market facilities, while the independent non-profit will manage merchant and customer needs and prepare to implement broad improvement plans. READ MORE

Management, vendors excited about West Side Market’s future

Now that the West Side Market is being managed by the nonprofit Cleveland Public Market Corporation, the honeymoon begins. Metaphorically, the marriage is off to a strong start. “It feels great,” says executive director Rosemary Mudry, who has been working at the market since January and waiting for a final agreement between the city and the market. “It’s been a joyful week for everyone.” READ MORE

Flour Pasta Co. bolstering its retail business

You know Flour Restaurant in Moreland Hills. But did you know it has a side business with an array of pasta in the market? Here’s a look at the company and its product, which is expanding in multiple markets and stores. READ MORE

Graeter’s offering new flavors of ice cream to test

Graeter’s Ice Cream is introducing six new flavors and they want you to invite five of your closest friends to help identify them. To do so, order the Mystery Tasting six-pack from the Cincinnati company. For $84.95, you’ll receive six pints of never-seen-before flavors and all the materials needed for a blind tasting with six people. READ MORE

'Chopped’ seeks applicants

The Food Network is seeking professional-chef applicants to appear on “Chopped.” Prospective contestants can apply online for the long-running show, which is hosted by Ted Allen. Contestants are given ingredients to work with in a fully equipped kitchen. READ MORE

OPENINGS/CLOSINGS

Hotel Cleveland’s Maker restaurant makes a classy debut

Hotel Cleveland, which has been under renovation, is finetuning menus for its new Maker and Mowrey restaurants. Located on Public Square, Hotel Cleveland was formerly known as the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel. Maker is a casual, fine dining room in the main lobby, while Mowrey’s is an early breakfast place in the former Sans Souci restaurant space. READ MORE

EVENTS/TASTINGS

Margarita Crawl Chagrin Falls

Celebrate Margarita Day at eight culinary businesses in Chagrin Falls. Crawl tickets will get you a margarita sample at each. Food specials will be offered as well. The best sombrero/Mexican-themed hat will win a $50 gift card. Tickets $35 to $40. 1 to 5 p.m., May 4. Main Street, Chagrin Falls. DETAILS

Downtown Cleveland Taco & Tequila Bar Crawl

Register for the crawl and you’ll receive a map, four free taco tokens, a signature koozie and more. Each stop on the crawl will have discounted margaritas, beer, and tequila shots. Go at your own pace, then complete the crawl at the after party for the ultimate fiesta. Tickets $24.99

1 to 6 p.m., May 4. MAP

Mahall’s Vegan Market in Lakewood gets a Cinco de Mayo spin

Mahall’s is bringing back its vegan market this Sunday with a spin in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Mahall’s Vegan Market, featuring more than 25 vendors is taking place May 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in both The Roxy and the main room. READ MORE

Leave the gun, take the cannoli at 'The Godfather' dinner

Titanic themed dinners at Valley’s Edge Steak & Seafood, in MGM Northfield Park, were hot. So, the dining team is back with a new theme – “The Godfather” – at 7 p.m., May 15. The menu was inspired by the Francis Ford Coppola organized crime movie. And each course will feature wine from Francis Ford Coppola Winery. READ MORE

North Canton Beer Festival is coming up

The fifth annual North Canton Beer Festival is coming up Saturday, June 1, in a cool venue - MAPS Air Museum. This year it is adding a neat component – Bourbon tasting. The fest will include samples from 20 local and reginal breweries. READ MORE

Hall of Fame Ribs Burnoff is scheduled

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is holding the three-day Hall of Fame Ribs Burnoff. It will include a judged competition for half a dozen rib joints – local and out-of-state. The fest, which has free admission, is set for May 24-26. The Hall of Fame is bringing back the fest, which had been on a 10-year hiatus. READ MORE

PICKS OF THE WEEK

All Saints Public House

With patio season fast approaching, there’s no better way to usher in the season of warm weather than a visit to All Saints Public House. The restaurant in Cleveland’s Gordon Square neighborhood is home to one of the best patios in the city that looks like a secret garden. The menu with Cleveland classics like pierogi, cabbage and noodles, schnitzel and beyond rivals the ambiance. All Saints Public House is at 1261 W. 76th Street, Cleveland DETAILS

Old River Tap and Social

A stone’s throw from donut legends Big Mouth is one of the west side’s fun burger n’ beer layovers. But it’s so much more. With a great late-night menu, a playful patio that feels like it belongs in Portland, Maine’s Old Port and a combination of upscale dishes and downtempo vibes, Old River feels like home. They do a bang-up brunch, dynamite paprikash and serve a short rib pappardelle (braised in red wine, served with chive cream and shaved parmesan) that’s to die for. Old River is at 19245 Detroit Rd., Rocky River. DETAILS

The Lockview

The Lockview offers tasty, reasonably sized grilled-cheese sandwiches in a down-home setting right in the heart of downtown Akron. It also boasts scores of great drafts from all over as well as a solid wine list. Especially in summertime, folks can catch a concert at Lock 3 and then saunter across the street for a beer and a bite. (You have to love tater tots as the requisite side.) It’s at 207 S. Main St., Akron. READ MORE

Chagrin River Diner

Chagrin River Diner has an interesting dinner menu, but it really shines as a breakfast joint. When you can get a seat. Breakfast is busy. They have variations on eggs Benedict, breakfast tacos and brioche French toast. The diner hash can be ordered with walleye. But the real star is the Lunker -- two homemade biscuits smothered with homemade sausage gravy topped with breakfast potatoes, house carnitas, 3 eggs and cheddar jack cheese. Yes, carnitas. A junior version of this dish is also available. Chagrin River Diner is open for breakfast every day. It’s at 4099 Erie Street, Willoughby. READ MORE

SPOTLIGHT

14 cocktails to make for celebrating Cinco de Mayo

If you don’t feel like going out this year, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home, starting with cocktails. Here are 14 recipes for Cinco de Mayo cocktails that expand far beyond a typical margarita. But to keep it true to the spirit of Mexico, all drinks are made with an agave spirit of either tequila or mezcal. READ MORE

Think mezcal for Cinco de Mayo

Tequila is running up the popularity charts. And, no doubt, it will be hot for Cinco de Mayo drinks. While everyone is zigging, why not zag? Get into the spirit with mezcal. Like tequila, mezcal is made in Mexico from native agave. Then, the similarity ends. READ MORE

Entertainment | Food and Drink

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