Local Food Economy
Bob PerkoskiOhio City Farm
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.
Malley's Chocolates will continue the century-old Cleveland tradition of Sweetest Day this weekend by selling chocolate-covered strawberries and grapes. Sweetest Day, the tradition of sharing candy with those who don't normally get sweets, originated in Cleveland. The tradition is rotted in generosity and making sure Saturday is the "sweetest day of the year" for everyone.
Malley's Chocolates, Great Lakes Brewing Company, and Heinen's Grocery Store have collaborated to create Toffee Amber Lager, inspired by Malley's iconic Bordeaux chocolate. The limited-edition brew, now available at Heinen's and Great Lakes' Ohio City brewpub, combines the flavors of toffee and chocolate in a 6.1% ABV lager, celebrating Cleveland's rich culinary traditions and community spirit.
Malley's Chocolates is reintroducing their popular chocolate caramel apple slices this weekend only, from Friday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Sept. 21.
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute hosted a five-course dinner at Grafton Correctional Institution, prepared and served by incarcerated individuals participating in EDWINS owner Brandon Chrostowsski's culinary program. The event showcased the students' culinary skills and the produce grown in the prison's garden, while highlighting EDWINS' mission of providing second chances through culinary education.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Northeast Ohio this week donated 20,000 pounds of food to the Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland, significantly boosting its food pantry supplies at a time when households are financially tight. The donation is part of the Salvation Army's "Need Knows No Season" campaign to raise awareness about year-round hunger.
Teen entrepreneur Josh Friedlander has turned his passion for cooking and gardening into a successful jam-making business. What started as a pandemic project has grown into a thriving enterprise, with Jam by Josh products now available in multiple stores.
Just in time for Easter, Malley's Chocolates and Heinen's Grocery Stores have partnered to offer a selection of Malley's products in Heinen's stores. The collaboration brings together two family-owned brands with a combined 186 years of history in Cleveland.
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute has opened in the former Nighttown site—offering both fine and casual dining experiences while maintaining its mission of training formerly incarcerated adults in the culinary arts. Local residents and business owners are optimistic about EDWINS' arrival in the Cedar Fairmount District.
Cleveland Heights native Jeremy McBryde's soul food restaurant Comfort CLE in Glenville is about to start its second run in Cleveland Restaurant Week—offering $39 three-course prix fixe menus today through March 14. Find out what Comfort CLE has on the menu!
Malley's Chocolates, a Northeast Ohio institution since 1935, celebrates its 90th anniversary this Valentine's Day. Malley’s president and CEO Mike Malley explores the company's history, popular confections, and the enduring connection between love, chocolate, and cherished Cleveland memories.
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.