Best places to eat and drin k in Lakewood, Hangry Brand s buys Society Lounge, Edwi ns’ founder wins Beard Award

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Entertainment | Food and Drink

TOP NEWS

Help us find the best places to eat and drink in Lakewood

In recent years, Lakewood’s dining and drinking scene has exploded far beyond dive bars and hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Fine dining, international cuisine and mom-and-pop shops are all represented on the plates being served in town. Cleveland.com is on the hunt to find the best places to eat and drink in Lakewood. The premise is simple – tell us your favorite place for a sip and a bite. READ MORE

West Side Market vendors lose leases

Two produce vendors at Cleveland's West Side Market are closing by April 30 after their leases weren't renewed. Market leaders deny discrimination allegations, stating lease decisions were based on merchant-specific issues. READ MORE

Cleveland’s Hangry Brands buys Society Lounge

Hangry Brands has acquired Society Lounge on East 4th Street, adding to its growing roster of Greater Cleveland bars and restaurants. Society Lounge first opened as a speakeasy-style cocktail bar in 2013. Hangry Brands owner/president Jason Beaudert confirmed to Cleveland.com on Monday that the company is taking over the bar at 2063 E. 4th Street. READ MORE

Hall of Fame Ribs Burnoff returns

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Ribs Burnoff is back for Memorial Day weekend, running May 24-26 in Canton. The event will feature multiple rib vendors, live music and family activities. It’s the second annual fest. READ MORE

Want to taste fair food? Preview is scheduled

Get a taste of summer early at the spring preview of Cuyahoga County Fair food over two days in May. The event will feature fair favorites. We’ve got a list of about 20 items available to try. Admission is free; pay by item. READ MORE

Sunday brunch returns permanently to Rood Food and Pie in Lakewood this weekend

Rood Food and Pie is bringing its brunch back permanently starting this month. The restaurant at 17001 Madison Avenue has been hosting pop-up brunch events throughout the beginning of the year before deciding to make it permanent starting Sunday, April 13. Brunch will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday, except for holidays (including Easter), when Rood is closed. READ MORE

Cooper's Hawk anniversary blind tasting through April 30

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants in Orange Village and Avon are celebrating their 20th anniversary with a special "Behind the Label" blind tasting experience through April 30. For $12, guests can sample eight wines (four revealed, four hidden) and test their tasting skills. Paris Wolfe reports participants can enter to win prizes including a Caribbean cruise, with winners announced May 1. READ MORE

Edwins’ founder Brandon Chrostowski wins James Beard Award

Brandon Chrostowski, founder of Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute in Cleveland, has won a James Beard Foundation Impact Award, which recognizes efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive culinary landscape. Other chefs from Cleveland wwere nominated in the Restaurant & Chef Award categories this year but did not make the finalists-nominees cut. They are Doug Katz (Outstanding Restaurateur), Vinnie Cimino and Jeremy Umansky (both in Best Chef: Great Lakes region) and Allie La Valle (Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker). READ MORE

5 beers to try this April

This month’s beer review spans the country from Alaska to Atlanta. Here are five diverse brews worth sampling, including Alaskan Brewing Co.’s Wildness and Gummies, a big India Pale Ale from Sweetwater Brewing Co. We also highlight local and out-of-region brewery news. READ MORE

Salt, Butter & Cream coming up on anniversary

Andrea and Patrick Kenny's Salt, Butter & Cream catering company in Rocky River has seen "unbelievable" growth since launching in 2022. The culinary couple shares insights on catering vs. restaurant operations, including logistical challenges, cost fluctuations and the benefits of planning. "It's super fun and rewarding to be involved in, but just like any industry it has its challenges," Andrea said. READ MORE

West Side Market fundraiser dinner scheduled for May 9

The West Side Market will host "Now or Never: An Evening in the Arcade," a one-time fundraiser dinner on May 9, just before construction begins on the East Arcade. The $500-per-ticket event features celebrity chefs including James Beard nominees Vinnie Cimino and Jeremy Umansky reports Paris Wolfe. Only 100 tickets are available for this family-style dinner that will "memorialize the space" before renovations permanently change it. DETAILS

OPENINGS/CLOSINGS

The Anchor Lorain offers upscale dining with a commitment to local products

The Anchor Lorain restaurant opens April 2 in Lorain's Ariel Broadway Hotel, led by Executive Chef Mark Wilson who brings his local food commitment and decades of experience to the lakefront venue. The upscale yet affordable 140-seat restaurant will feature hearty protein, vegetable and pasta dishes with views of Lake Erie. Wilson, who calls the menu "my celebration of Lorain and Lake Erie," grows herbs in his office and plans outdoor gardens to support his passion for local, sustainable ingredients. READ MORE

Cleveland’s Xinji Noodle Bar to close doors after 7 years in Ohio City

Xinji Noodle Bar will be closing its Ohio City ramen shop this month.

The Japanese-inspired restaurant at 4211 Lorain Avenue announced the news on social media that its last day in business will be April 19. READ MORE

Old Brooklyn Cheese Company closing

After eight years of selling artisanal cheeses, Old Brooklyn Cheese Company will close its flagship store on April 19. Owner Michael Januska will focus on his POP Mustards line, a rebranded collaboration with celebrity chef Michael Symon that's gaining national distribution in major grocery chains. READ MORE

EVENTS/TASTINGS

Fish fry season

It’s fish fry season at many non-profits across Northeast Ohio. Churches, VFW halls and other places are hosting dinners featuring everything from perch to pierogies. Times and dates vary based on location, but the churches and groups are located from Amherst to Willoughby. Fridays through Lent (Good Friday is April 18). It guide is updated weekly. READ MORE

Chardon Restaurant Week 2025

Chardon Restaurant Week is earlier this year. It runs through Sunday, April 13. A new restaurant – The Hambone -- has joined the list of 15. Diners will enjoy discounts and daily specials at local restaurants, and they can participate in daily prize drawings. READ MORE

StoneWater plans annual Seder dinner

StoneWater is planning its seventh annual Seder dinner. It’s Saturday, Apri 12, and features 14 dishes over four courses. The Rustic Grill has dine-in and carry-out options. Here’s what to know about the meal and when to order from the Highland Heights restaurant. READ MORE

St. Vitus Palm Sunday dinner is set

The popular and annual St. Vitus Church Palm Sunday dinner is coming up. The benefit for a couple of non-profits features a Slovenian-style dinner. It’s in the church’s new social hall on Lausche Avenue in Cleveland. Palm Sunday is April 13. READ MORE

L’Albatros Brasserie to host Washington winery

L'Albatros Brasserie will hold a dinner featuring five wines from Dusted Valley in Washington state. One of the owners of the winery, which is more than 20 years old, will guide the tasting. The dinner is Thursday, April 17. READ MORE

Marble Room to host master sommelier-led wine dinner

Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar is hosting an exclusive wine dinner featuring a seven-course tasting menu paired with wines from Master Sommelier Larry Stone's Lingua Franca label on April 15. The $300 event includes elaborate dishes from endive salad to lamb osso buco. READ MORE

El Carnicero returns to Lakewood for one-night-only Latino fish fry event

El Carnicero closed its doors at 16918 Detroit Avenue last spring after 11 years in business. Restaurant owner/chef Eric Williams announced on social media that El Carnicero would be returning for a one-night-only event. The Latino fish fry is set for 4 p.m. on Good Friday, April 18, until sellout at Wine Dive Cle. READ MORE

Free sandwiches to be given out on Earth Day

Two Cleveland-area restaurants are offering free sandwiches on Monday, April 22, to celebrate Earth Day. As part of the deal, North Star Café and Brassica are each offering a different sandwich in their Shaker Heights locations. READ MORE

Ramp Up Peninsula festival celebrates wild onions

The Peninsula Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the the wild onion known as a ramp with the Ramp Up Peninsula festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 26. The festival includes a number of food vendors selling everything from Bloody Stink’ Marys to pickled ramps, bread, scones and much more. Check out the bounty as Purplebrown Farm Store. READ MORE

PICKS OF THE WEEK

The Whiskey Bar

The Whiskey Bar in downtown Cleveland offers 500-plus whiskeys, bourbons and scotches. It’s hard to pick just one. If you’re indulging in a flight (or two) it just makes sense to order food. The kitchen offers a generous charcuterie and cheese plate that will serve up to four people. - Paris Wolfe – DETAILS

Good Pizza

There’s never been a better time to hangout in Downtown’s Gateway District with the Guardian’s kicking off games at home this week and the Cavaliers rounding out the regular NBA season. If you’re in the area looking for a quick bite that won’t break the bank, Good Pizza is the way to go. The new pizza spot on East 4th Street serves up gourmet pizza by-the-slice in the former home of Citizen Pie Roman Café. Spicy vodka and fig bacon are a few of the adventurous slices worth trying. Good Pizza is at 2057 E. 4th Street in Cleveland – Alex Darus DETAILS

Arthur Treacher’s Fish and Chips

For a recent Friday-night dinner during this Lenten season, we eschewed a fancy night out and opted for this fast-food place in Cuyahoga Falls. The clams were great, the fries were thick enough to dip in your choice of sauces (we opted for cocktail sauce) and it’s a great throwback to family outings many years ago. And hey, did you know the English actor, whose namesake graces the restaurant, died 50 years ago? It’s at 1833 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls. - Marc Bona DETAILS

SPOTLIGHT

Progressive Field serving up new food offerings

Cleveland Guardians fans will find several new features at the ballpark this season, including a revamped Terrace Club, a mozzarella sandwich and a refreshed team shop. Here's a look at what to expect for the 2025 season. READ MORE

Akron RubberDucks unveil extreme foods items

The Akron RubberDucks are welcoming fans with new high-definition scoreboards and several food options. The Class AA affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians has installed state-of-the-art video boards, enhancing the fan experience at Canal Park. And, as is tradition, the RubberDucks are back with their famous extreme food menu – large, shareable portions. Warning: Come hungry. READ MORE

Entertainment | Food and Drink

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