the rise of the cleveland food scene

If you happen to be free the afternoon of December 9, come downtown for what’s sure to be a great lunch conversation. I’m so excited to be part of this amazing line up and to chat about my two favorite topics: food and Cleveland!

Networking at Noon // The Rise of the Cleveland Food Scene // Panel Discussion

Cleveland is becoming the culinary hotspot on the Great Lakes. This distinction comes, in part, from renowned chef and restaurateur Michael Symon who was awarded the title “Iron Chef” from the Food Network’s televised competition by the same name. Cleveland is home to ethnic eateries, trendy bistros and bars, and even a combination bowling alley/martini bar. Food critics are beginning to take notice – Cleveland’s culinary prowess has been featured in The New York Times, Gourmet, Food & Wine, Oprah and Esquire. Other cities are noticing, too. In January, 2008, the Chicago Tribune declared, “Cleveland has quietly become the epicenter of the Midwest food scene.”

Join Chef Rocco Whalen of Fahrenheit in Tremont, Cleveland Foodie blogger Michelle Venorsky, food critic Elaine Cicora, and chef and entrepreneur Matt Mytro of StoveMonkeys as they discuss and debate the impetus behind the rise of the Cleveland food scene. Janet Nguyen of Metromix.com will moderate the discussion. Hear about our unique and award-winning restaurants, our commitment to sustainable food sources, and the unique personalities that make Cleveland a “foodie” paradise.

The lunch will occur at The Club at Key from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are limited to reserve your seat today. Advance tickets are $15 for CP 20/30 members (log in to receive member pricing) and $20 for non-members. Tickets at the door at $25, regardless of member status. Parking vouchers for the Marriott Hotel garage are available for $4. Parking vouchers will be sold at the Networking at Noon registration desk the day of the event.

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It was a terrific presentation (and a pretty decent lunch); Elan won one of the door prizes!

I had a speaking engagement or I would have been there. I would like to attend the next noon luncheon.

I just registered. I don't expect to know anyone there, but I'm looking forward to the discussion and meeting fellow food lovers.

Why isn't Stephen Michaelides or Gary Lucarelli on the panel? Or Zack Bruell or Calif-based Susie Heller? Or longtime restaurant broker Jerry Herman? They would add much needed perspective by demonstrating the "rise" didn't begin with Lolita. Indeed food critics like John Mariani began noticing CLE's culinary efforts some years ago. The food scene by now is well-established. It's too bad Clevelanders don't have the $$ to help it grow further.

Sounds like a great event! Thanks for the info and I just registered, so see you there!

Nancy - you can do everything on the site. I spoke to the event coordinator and she said the site's working properly so you should be able to register, pay, etc. See you there!

Beth - I think the conversation will be better than the food :)

See you there Michelle! Looking forward to it...

Sounds fantastic! I am putting in a request to have that day off :) Thank you for the heads up*

Sounds like an interesting event and I may try to attend. Will the food live up to the topic being discussed?

Who do you call to make a paid reservation? The website only took my name. Thanks! Looking forward to this.