• Bruell’s team is offering a new “Five in Five” promotion:  If a Tour participant earns all stamps between Tuesday, May 29 and Saturday, June 2 – or five restaurants in five days – that individual will receive five entries toward the grand prize drawing
• Those who choose to complete the Tour by July 7 will be entered into a bonus drawing to win a chauffeured, progressive dinner, with one course at each of the five Zack Bruell restaurants, hosted by Zack
• Of course, the five participating restaurants are: Parallax, Table 45, L’Albatros, Chinato and the new Cowell & Hubbard

To complete the Tour, guests must visit each of Bruell’s distinctive Cleveland restaurants between Memorial Day and Labor Day; picking up a Tour ticket on their first stop, and getting it stamped when ordering dinner at every location along the way.  In order to complete the Tour – and be eligible for some fabulous culinary prizes – participants will have to get one stamp at each Zack Bruell restaurant and turn in the ticket at the final stop on their Tour.

All fans that complete the Tour de Bruell will receive a commemorative t-shirt, featuring the 2012 Tour theme:  “Zackalicious.”  From those individuals, 10 semi-finalists and their guests will be randomly selected to enjoy a complimentary wine tasting dinner at Table 45, featuring cuisine by Bruell and offerings by premier sparkling wine maker, Chandon.  In addition, one grand prize winner will receive a custom, in-home, four-course dinner for eight, prepared by Bruell himself.

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This September, chef Scott Kim will open his second restaurant in Cleveland. The Pan-Asian restaurant, to be named Accent, will be housed in one of the new buildings as part of the much-anticipated Uptown development at Euclid and E 115th, near University Circle.

Accent will reside in the unique egg-shaped enclosed space at the end of the corridor adjacent to the Cleveland Institute of Art.  The signature red back-lit design will create a sexy and inspiring ambiance for the location. The space will also feature a large outdoor dining patio complete with a fireplace to extend the outdoor dining season.

Kim also owns SASA in Shaker Square.

It’s a girl! I’ll drop off some dinner. I’m so sorry for your loss. Let me bring some food over later. Congrats on the new digs! Don’t worry about lunch, I have it covered. Party at 3? Let me bring a side. Are you feeling better? What can you eat while you’re recovering?

It’s not that there’s a lack of words to convey how we’re feeling (I don’t think anyone would ever accuse me of that!). But for whatever reason, food is our language of choice and at least for me, a small way that I can pitch in and help. And my dish of choice happens to be a lasagna. It’s easy to make and deliver. Simple to heat for the recipient. Pairs great with just a salad and wine. Feeds many. Even better the next day. And who doesn’t enjoy some homeade lasagna?

Here’s my go-to recipe. I’ve been making it for said occasions since I first saw it in Food & Wine. It’s a hit – my family loves it and it seems to be well-received by others, too. So if you find yourself in need to make and take a dish to someone, I highly recommend this sausage and three cheese lasagna.

I’ve known Scott Kuhn, one of the partners behind Hodge’s, since high school, but really got to know him when he opened Washington Place. And I first met Chris Hodgson when he came on the scene with his food truck. I asked if he’d be open to a Q&A. And within in days, we were sitting at  Starbucks bright and early talking non-stop. I was quickly smitten by his incredible energy, vision and passion – all at the age of 25 (at the time). Since then, they have both become good friends. What I like best about them actually has nothing to do with their culinary talents or dedication to the city. Rather, that they are genuinely good people doing good things for others, near and far.

So of course I’m happy that they have found success with the opening of Hodge’s, Chris’ long-awaited brick-and-mortar restaurant right around the corner from E 4th. Because of its proximity to my office (right across the street), I’ve already been there six or seven times for a mix of lunch and dinner (and opening day drinks on the patio). Friends or not, this place is good. The atmosphere is leaps and bounds better than its predecessor, as is the food. There’s only one dish I didn’t care for – the scallops. But to be fair, I did have that during the friends and family preview night, so all gets a pass then.

I am slightly obsessed with the pea soup right now. It’s so fresh, light and flavorful yet incredibly filling. This plus a small salad is plenty for lunch. But of course you have to save room for a piece of the corn bread. This is not just any corn bread though. It’s actually the best corn bread in town. Truly. I dare you to find a better piece around. I’m also a big fan of the gnudi and lamb shank with white bean cassoulet and carrots. Really impressive dishes that you won’t want to share.

As the weather warms, I also look forward to taking full  advantage of their spectacular patio. In fact, I see a lot of late afternoon meeting in our future there. It’s a huge, private area with a large bar. The exact kind of space Clevelanders flock to in the summertime.

And flock they will – inside and out. Because the place is great. Just like the people behind it.

On Monday, April 23, he will host another amazing wine and cheese event, this time focusing just on our great state offering an in-depth look at local farms and wine makers. The event will also include hors d’oeuvres, petit fours and live entertainment. The cost is $55 per guest (plus tax/tip) and reservations are required.

Over the last month, Brandon has been working with cheeses from all over Ohio in preparation – Canal Junction, Laurel Valley, Fulton Creek, Kokkoborego, Blue Jacket, Mackenzie, Lucky Penny and a couple others. As he states, “The wines are a surprise and the pairings quite amazing! Between Markko Vineyards, Firelands, Laurello, Ferrante and others it is shaping up to be quite the event.”

See what others picked for this fun Fresh Water feature.

A beautiful stack of Mexican goodness

Who: Michelle Venorsky, aka Cleveland Foodie
What: Smoked trout and crab chilaquiles
Where: Momocho

This is one beautifully stacked plate of modern Mexican goodness. The layers of smoked trout and crab are loaded with black beans and tons of cotija cheese. Then it has this fried egg on top. When you break that yolk and it comes streaming down, it is incorporated into every bite. There are little mini tortillas and tomatilla verde, so it’s almost like a Mexican lasagna. It is just so, so unbelievably good.

Whenever I eat it, it always tastes as good as the first time I had it three years ago. The best part is I can only get through half. I can’t wait to dig into my breakfast — the leftovers — the next morning.

According to the publishers, every issue will express:

• Beauty counts. We want to publish a magazine that’s worthy of the paper it’s printed on. Striking photography, the well-turned phrase, and a gorgeous layout combine to create an experience that feels remarkably indulgent. Browsing the pages of edible Cleveland will be an inspiration, and every issue will be an object of beauty.
• Be optimistic. edible Cleveland is a celebration. As such, we will strive to tell the stories that extend our sense of community, deepen our understanding of practices, satisfy our curiosities about food, and cultivate a vibrant food culture.
• Local matters. Although edible Cleveland is a member of a thriving national movement, the focus of our work is local, and it will stay that way. We will work with local writers and artists to capture the people, places and food that make up our region’s particular culinary culture.
• Be of value. edible Cleveland will be a resource for everyone interested in our food culture and will strive to bridge the gap between those who love food and their food sources

The magazine will publish four times a year for $28. Or, you can try your luck at winning a subscription. To be considered for the random drawing via Random.org, simply leave a comment to this post (sorry – Facebook doesn’t count) leaving a suggestion for an upcoming feature. According to their site, they are always seeking story ideas from folks like us. Things like… Which foodie events are your favorite? Got a farm you love or local product you think more people should know about? Any food-related announcements on the horizon or important policy efforts? You have until April 2 to enter. Good luck!

Greenhouse. This is hands-down the best Caesar salad in all of Cleveland. Probably beyond, too. I’m beyond hooked. In one week, I think I ordered it three times. Large beds of grilled romaine, tons of capers, parmesan, shallots, garlic, herbed croutons and the most perfect dressing – and at the right amount, too. Lunch will never be the same if it comes off the menu.

Saigon. I’m told there are lots of tasty things at this popular Vietnamese restaurant, but I wouldn’t know. I can’t get past the shrimp cabbage salad. A mound of shredded cabbage (don’t worry – you will finish), sliced shrimp, peanuts, cilantro, shaved carrots and onions in a lightly sweet dressing. It’s filling, refreshing, healthy and incredibly flavorful.

Pura Vida. I’m a sucker for a spinach salad and this one is up there. Warm spinach, of course, topped with a fried local egg. But the star here is the bacon – thick slices of crispy bacon mixed in with pickled onions and rye toast topped with balsamic and olive oil. Perfect – every time.

I am fibbing just a bit… of course I have tried other places for lunch. I now get what all the fuss is about  Vincenza’s Pizza (get the thin crust), and Tea House Noddles can whip up something tasty in a pinch. And on a cold day, I crave the tomato bread soup at Chinato (no offense – I’m ok not having you again until the fall!). But there’s just something about these three that has me hungry for lunch by 9 a.m.

Where are your go-to downtown lunch spots?

I could care less about college basketball, the Final Four or frankly – any college sport (I went to BGSU in the ’90s – we weren’t good at sports!). But this is a bracket I could get into…

Cleveland Magazine has put together a fun little competition among many of your favorite local bloggers – from food, to general fun, fashion, sports and everything in between. It’s a really great list and I’m super excited to be included! The competition is based off the college brackets everyone is always betting on and following this time of the year.

Have you seen it? And more importantly, have you voted? Note – if you don’t look closely, you can’t really tell where to vote. It’s right under Nothing But Net where it says click here.

I heard once that to have a child is to live life with your heart outside your body. What a true statement that is. To those affected by what happened last week – to those parents – my heart goes out to you. I can’t ever imagine losing my children and I pray to God I never know. I hope you, your family, and your community somehow find the strength needed and find ways each day to celebrate and honor the memories of those gone.

Since this happened right in our backyard, in our home, we have all been looking for ways to help. If you’re interested, here’s another one:

In response to the recent tragedy in Chardon, Cleveland-area chefs have created a fundraiser benefiting the families. Over 15 chefs will offer tastings in a station-style format at Flour on March 19 from 5-8 p.m. Purchase tickets here (cost is $75 per person).

A one-item silent auction for a dinner for 10 guests at a location of the winner’s choosing  prepared by Iron Chef Michael Symon will be auctioned off during the evening.

Participating chefs/food establishments are:

• Matthew Anderson-Umami
• Lauren Bozich,  Marianne Carroll and Matt Myers-The White Flower Cake Shoppe
• Dante Boccuzzi-Dante and Ginko
• Brit-Marie Horrocks Culey-Coquette Patisserie
• Brian Doyle-Sow Food Catering
• Marlin Kaplan-Dragonfly
• Douglas Katz-fire food and drink
• Michael Longo-Harvest Kitchen and Lounge
• Matt Mathlage-Light Bistro
• Paul Minnillo-Flour Rustic Italian Kitchen
• Matt Mytro-Flour Rustic Italian Kitchen
• Fabio Salerno-Gusto! and Lago
• Ricardo Sandoval-Fat Cats and Felice
• Karen Small-Flying Fig
• Wendy Thompson-A Cookie and A Cupcake
• Michael Tolosa-Moxie, the Restaurant
• Eric Williams-Momocho.

Someday… Until then, we recently discovered a small cafe that loosely mirrors our lottery spend, at least in terms of the atmosphere we’d hope to create: Lemon Falls in Chagrin Falls.

You walk into Lemon Falls and you’re almost surprised that this place is new as it fits so perfectly into the Village. The tiny space, which seats 20-ish, is part specialty market, part scratch, locally-sourced cafe and part gourmet to-go eats (with fantastic coffee and pastries in between).

This is just the type of place we like to support. And have four times already. Hands-down the must-try dish is the short rib sandwich with Gruyere served on a pie tin. It’s ridiculously flavorful, tender and keeps bringing us back. Natalie has been all over the deluxe grilled cheese and I’m working my way through the nicely-sized salads.  For brunch, the tortilla wrap won’t disappoint and while it’s normally something that isn’t often called out, the yogurt parfait with granola, seasonal fruit and nuts (and paired with a cappuccino)  put smiles on all three of us. I’m not sure what spices were added to that yogurt, but they really made  it a standout item.

The space is just as great as the food. Fresh, cheerful and inviting with ’40s music, a personal favorite, playing above. There’s a giant chalk board donning the numerous selections and a small window bar to watch the passers-by.

It’s the quintessential Chagrin Falls eatery and I’m hooked. That is, until I win the lottery and open up the competition…