Local Food Economy
photo Bob Perkoski
Cleveland has a remarkable restaurant scene, one that consistently surprises visitors from so-called "larger markets." There is no denying that access to quality ingredients deserves much of the credit. Long before the farm-to-table trend swept across the national landscape, Cleveland chefs were buying and preparing bushels of locally produced foodstuffs. But farms no longer are reserved for the countryside; urban farms are invading the city at record pace, transforming craggy patches into lush, productive plots. All of these features foster a thriving local foods economy that ranges from farm stands and food trucks to coffee shops and culinary incubators.
The FreshWater staff put together this comprehensive guide for a variety of local Cleveland holiday gift ideas. The list highlights some of our favorite products and experiences from local businesses and organizations to encourage shopping locally.
City Fresh, a nonprofit CSA working to increase food access in Northeast Ohio, is offering holiday shares of locally grown produce for pickup in Cleveland Heights, Oberlin, and Lakewood. Registration ends Saturday!
The Grocery at City Goods, a new food-focused retail concept in Ohio City, brings together local food entrepreneurs under one roof. Launched through a partnership between City Goods, JumpStart, and Ohio City Incorporated, the pilot program offers a platform for small businesses to showcase their products during the holiday season and grow their brands.
The Steak Club Foundation started as a casual dinner group to reconnect friends and network and evolved into to a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity. The group provides meals, runs food pantries, and supports local communities. The foundation's guiding principle, "No Service, No Steak" reflects the commitment to giving back.
This week marks the beginning of Cleveland Independents' Cleveland Restaurant Week—with deals on three-course dinners at 30 local restaurants. Read about what Bruno's Ristorante & Catering is offering at its Ohio City Italian eatery.
Malley's Chocolates' Mike Malley shares the Cleveland history and significance of Sweetest Day, a celebration of kindness and community—and chocolate-covered strawberries and chocolate-covered grapes.
Grippy's Sauce Co., a food truck that travels to spots all over Cleveland, was a finalist at the 2024 National Fried Chicken Festival in New Orleans earlier this month. Read about founder Khalid Ali and how his business competed against over 40 vendors as the only Midwest representative.
Yesterday, almost 900 volunteers from throughout Cleveland joined together in observance of 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, and Hunger Action Month, with a donation of 245,000 meals to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
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Cleveland Oktoberfest, voted the best in the U.S. by USA
Today readers, returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds Friday for two
weekends. The festival features authentic German and European food, craft beer,
live music, and attractions like the largest glockenspiel in the U.S., wiener
dog races, and fireworks.
Loretta Paganini opened her International Culinary Arts and Science Institute 20 years ago to give area culinary students advanced career training. This weekend, local celebrity chefs will help raise scholarship money for the school at the Cleveland's Top Chefs event.
The Astro Restaurant owners invite guests to take a cosmic voyage at their new outer space and alien-themed eatery at Towner City Center. From the creators of the Haunted House Restaurant in Cleveland Heights, The Astro gives a nod to sci-fi classics like Men in Black, Star Wars, The Jetsons, Star Trek, and more in an out-of-this world atmosphere.
The Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Books & Bites: A Culinary Literary Affair with Rocco DiSpirito at its Parma-Snow Branch—a culinary literary discussion between celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito and Cleveland chef Rocco Whalen on DiSpirito's new book, "Everyday Delicious.” The event is Cuyahoga County Library Foundation's biggest fundraiser of the year for the —allowing CCPL's 27 branches to provide programs and services throughout the region.
Despite earning praise and a strong following, Proof Barbeque had to overcome bad timing with the COVID-19 pandemic and an inconvenient location before finding the perfect home and atmosphere in Ohio City. Four years after it first opened, then closed, Proof owner Dave Ferrante relaunched last month.
Cleveland Independents has launched its annual Cleveland Restaurant Week, with $39 prix fixe three-course dinners offered by 40 area restaurants, like The Reserve Chagrin Falls and Batuqui, through Saturday.
The City of South Euclid has more than 60 acres of parks in its four square miles, each with a wealth of recreation options. South Euclid Parks and Recreation director Daniel Subwick wants to add healthy eating to the menu at Bexley Park—the city's largest and most popular park.
Malley's Chocolates is bustling with activity as Valentine's Day approaches. CEO Mike Malley shares insights on seasonal demand during one of the chocolatiers' busiest times and the joy he finds in selling memories and happiness to customers.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Zeta Omega Chapter partnered with Cleveland City Council president Blaine Griffin and other organizations last weekend for the organization's annual food basket giveaway at Ginn Academy. The group handed out 500 baskets to fight food insecurity.
For the third consecutive year, the Rustic Grill at StoneWater Golf Club, the holiday favorite Cleveland Glögg is making its return. Stop by the grill and enjoy a glass of this Swedish-inspired mulled wine or pick up a bottle to enjoy at home!
Adele Malley shares her business and life knowledge in her new book "Conversations with Adele." The former Malley's CEO explores her journey from her early days in her family's meat provision company to successfully growing the Malley's brand into a household name.
Phase two in the Greater Cleveland Food Bank's three-phase plan to create food stability in Northeast Ohio was completed this month with its Collinwood Community Resource Center—with 16 organizations offering their services on-site.