Ohio City
cle chefs fare well in early beard nods
The James Beard Foundation has just announced its list of Semifinalists for this year's James Beard Awards, to be held in New York on May 9. As usual, Cleveland-area chefs and restaurants fared well. The final list of nominees will be released on March 21.
Michael Symon racked up nominations in the the big-time categories of Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Restaurant (Lola).
Jonathon Sawyer from Greenhouse Tavern is in the running for the much-coveted Rising Star Chef.
Both Zack Bruell (Parallax, L'Albatros) and Eric Williams (Momocho) are in the running for Best Chef: Great Lakes Region.
See the entire list of semifinalists here.
Michael Symon racked up nominations in the the big-time categories of Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Restaurant (Lola).
Jonathon Sawyer from Greenhouse Tavern is in the running for the much-coveted Rising Star Chef.
Both Zack Bruell (Parallax, L'Albatros) and Eric Williams (Momocho) are in the running for Best Chef: Great Lakes Region.
See the entire list of semifinalists here.
HuffPo interviews ICA's albano
The Huffington Post recently posted an interview with Albert Albano, executive director of the Cleveland-based Intermuseum Conservation Association (ICA), the nation's oldest non-profit regional art conservation center. Founded in 1952 by the directors of six Midwestern museums, the ICA "protects, preserves and enriches the shared heritage of art and material culture through conservation, advocacy and education."
The ICA has one of the largest climate-controlled fine art storage facilities in the Midwest, a resource made available to artists, collectors, and institutions. "Why, because the single most important issue for cultural material [art] is a stable environment -- 24/7 in all seasons," Albano is quoted as saying.
The other main mission of the ICA is education. AMIEN, which stands for art materials information education network, is one of the ICA's premier education programs. The site, which has up to 20,000 users per month, provides artists with information about materials that are used for art.
Albano states that his strongest commitment is to the community. "Fundamentally, every object alters in one way or another over time and that alteration can sometimes substantially change the audiences' ability to understand the artist or fabricator's original intent. It is critical to understand the true intent, and only through the engagement of conservation/preservation expertise can that happen properly and therefore make that story the most comprehensible."
Examine the whole work here.
The ICA has one of the largest climate-controlled fine art storage facilities in the Midwest, a resource made available to artists, collectors, and institutions. "Why, because the single most important issue for cultural material [art] is a stable environment -- 24/7 in all seasons," Albano is quoted as saying.
The other main mission of the ICA is education. AMIEN, which stands for art materials information education network, is one of the ICA's premier education programs. The site, which has up to 20,000 users per month, provides artists with information about materials that are used for art.
Albano states that his strongest commitment is to the community. "Fundamentally, every object alters in one way or another over time and that alteration can sometimes substantially change the audiences' ability to understand the artist or fabricator's original intent. It is critical to understand the true intent, and only through the engagement of conservation/preservation expertise can that happen properly and therefore make that story the most comprehensible."
Examine the whole work here.
To paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld: "Taco Tuesdays -- what's up with that?" Seems that all across this great city, barflies are bellying up to the counter for bottomless plates of dirt-cheap tacos. While the origins of this fad are fuzzy, the rationale behind the trend is simple enough: offer deeply discounted tacos to hungry diners in hopes of upping business on a traditionally slow weeknight. Some fans hit up new spots weekly, while others fashion a taco-themed pub crawl. Soft or crunchy, beef or pork, gourmet or fast-food… Here are some fan faves.
The stately Tudor Arms has been vacant since 2007 when its last tenant, Cleveland Job Corps, moved to a new home. Now, thanks to a $22 million restoration project, the landmark property appears set to reclaim some of its former glory when it reopens this spring as a Double Tree Hotel. The project is the latest in a string of successful urban developments by local firm MRN Ltd.
In 2010, MetroHealth
began testing a surgical solution for high blood pressure, became the
only Ohio hospital chosen to participate in the Major Extremity Trauma
Research Consortium to benefit injured servicemen and women, launched
MetroExpressCare to address the needs of urgent care patients, and
provided resources for the identification of the first gene associated
with age-related cataracts.
All the while, the hospital system has kept its eye on sustainable business practices that resulted in a budget surplus last year. MetroHealth currently has about 6,000 employees.
Revenue over expenses for MetroHealth in 2010 totaled $27 million, and operating income decreased from $37.7 million in 2009 to $23.8 million last year. These numbers are in keeping with the health system's goal of maintaining sustainable business practices, which, according to MetroHealth CEO and president Mark Moran, means being able to support the hospital's mission of providing high-quality and affordable care.
Throughout 2011, MetroHealth will be addressing challenges that include a continuing decline in inpatient volumes and rising charity care. The total cost of charity care provided by MetroHealth last year was up $9 million over the previous year.
SOURCE: MetroHealth
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
All the while, the hospital system has kept its eye on sustainable business practices that resulted in a budget surplus last year. MetroHealth currently has about 6,000 employees.
Revenue over expenses for MetroHealth in 2010 totaled $27 million, and operating income decreased from $37.7 million in 2009 to $23.8 million last year. These numbers are in keeping with the health system's goal of maintaining sustainable business practices, which, according to MetroHealth CEO and president Mark Moran, means being able to support the hospital's mission of providing high-quality and affordable care.
Throughout 2011, MetroHealth will be addressing challenges that include a continuing decline in inpatient volumes and rising charity care. The total cost of charity care provided by MetroHealth last year was up $9 million over the previous year.
SOURCE: MetroHealth
WRITER: Diane DiPiero
GLBC ranks #22 on "top brewers" list
Great Lakes Brewing Company, Ohio's first and most celebrated craft brewer, ranked #22 out of 25 "Top Brewers" in the latest issue of Beer Advocate, a respected monthly magazine dedicated entirely to beer. Beer Advocate reviewed hundreds of thousands of customer beer reviews for their annual "Best of" issue, which is now on shelves.
Beer Advocate also included two Great Lakes Brewing Company beers, Dortmunder Gold Lager and Eliot Ness Amber Lager, on its list of "Top Lighter Lagers." Both lagers also recently received gold medals at the World Beer Championship.
Great Lakes Brewing Company was the first microbrewery in Ohio and remains the state's most award-winning brewer.
Drink up the good news here.
Beer Advocate also included two Great Lakes Brewing Company beers, Dortmunder Gold Lager and Eliot Ness Amber Lager, on its list of "Top Lighter Lagers." Both lagers also recently received gold medals at the World Beer Championship.
Great Lakes Brewing Company was the first microbrewery in Ohio and remains the state's most award-winning brewer.
Drink up the good news here.
Valerie Mayen may have left Season 8 of Project Runway prematurely, but she won't be leaving Cleveland anytime soon. In addition to headquartering her burgeoning fashion label Yellowcake here, the Corpus Christie native will soon launch an innovative sewing co-op for budding designers. And that is just the beginning.
For years, the trend in Ohio City was for young couples to buy homes, live there a few years, and then flee to the suburbs when they had kids. Thanks to a close-knit group of pioneering parents, that story may soon have a different ending. With hopes for a new public charter school becoming a reality, many young parents see a future that doesn't include a home in suburbia.
Along with her fiancé, José Andrade, Leticia Ortiz recently launched La Bamba Tortilleria in Ohio City. The minority-owned start-up has filled a gap in the Mexican foods market for fresh, local tortillas while at the same time growing jobs.
as-yet-unopen market garden brewery already drafting buzz
Sam McNulty's Market Garden Brewery is still months shy of its grand opening, but that hasn't stopped the Ohio City establishment from attracting national attention. In the latest issue of Draft Magazine, the national brewing glossy ran a feature titled "12 breweries to watch in 2011." Claiming one of the dozen spots is none other than Market Garden.
After dubbing McNulty the "beer god responsible for Cleveland spots like the Belgian-laden Bier Markt and pizza-slinging Bar Cento," the article goes on to sing the praises of brewmaster Andy Tveekrem, formerly of the matchless Dogfish Head.
Brew fans can look forward to German-style bock, a Belgian tripel, a honey barleywine, and an American pale ale, says the clip. "But the pair won't stop with beer: Tveekrem will try his hand at distilling with whiskeys, infused vodkas and gin, while McNulty hones a menu of picnic-style eats, perfect for casual meals in the brewery's 3,000-square-foot cobblestoned American beer garden."
Drink up the whole feature here.
After dubbing McNulty the "beer god responsible for Cleveland spots like the Belgian-laden Bier Markt and pizza-slinging Bar Cento," the article goes on to sing the praises of brewmaster Andy Tveekrem, formerly of the matchless Dogfish Head.
Brew fans can look forward to German-style bock, a Belgian tripel, a honey barleywine, and an American pale ale, says the clip. "But the pair won't stop with beer: Tveekrem will try his hand at distilling with whiskeys, infused vodkas and gin, while McNulty hones a menu of picnic-style eats, perfect for casual meals in the brewery's 3,000-square-foot cobblestoned American beer garden."
Drink up the whole feature here.
richman, roker go ga-ga for west side market on today
In a segment that aired earlier this week on the Today show, Adam Richman, the cherubic and itinerant host of the Travel Channel show Man v. Food, sat down with Cleveland ex-pat Al Roker. While plugging his new book titled "America the Edible," a paean to regional cuisine, Richman brings up the West Side Market.
As video of the local landmark rolls on the monitor, Roker and Richman are overcome by a case of the "oohs" and "aahs." Roker calls it his favorite place while Richman dubs it a "food fantasia."
In an accompanying interview that runs on the website, Richman elaborates:
Roker: Places like New York and San Francisco are known for their culinary offerings. What city do you think is the best-kept foodie secret?
Richman: I don't really think it's a secret necessarily, but Cleveland is a really great hidden gem. It has gotten a bad rap because of its history -- going into default, the [Cuyahoga] River fire, bad sports teams -- but it is the heartland, it's near great farmland, there's the historic West Side Market, and you get more bang for your buck there. Some of the best culinary minds, like Michael Symon [of "Cook Like an Iron Chef"], get inspiration there. Cleveland is a special place that often gets overlooked.
Check out the tasty vid and interview here.
As video of the local landmark rolls on the monitor, Roker and Richman are overcome by a case of the "oohs" and "aahs." Roker calls it his favorite place while Richman dubs it a "food fantasia."
In an accompanying interview that runs on the website, Richman elaborates:
Roker: Places like New York and San Francisco are known for their culinary offerings. What city do you think is the best-kept foodie secret?
Richman: I don't really think it's a secret necessarily, but Cleveland is a really great hidden gem. It has gotten a bad rap because of its history -- going into default, the [Cuyahoga] River fire, bad sports teams -- but it is the heartland, it's near great farmland, there's the historic West Side Market, and you get more bang for your buck there. Some of the best culinary minds, like Michael Symon [of "Cook Like an Iron Chef"], get inspiration there. Cleveland is a special place that often gets overlooked.
Check out the tasty vid and interview here.
cle int'l film fest snags academy grant
Earlier this week, the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) announced that its "Women of the World" program, films made by women or about women empowerment, was the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The CIFF is one of 30 U.S Film Festivals to receive this funding in the 2011 calendar year.
Debuting in 2008 at the 32nd CIFF, the "Women of the World" program continues to grow in popularity, thanks in part to sponsorship from the Cobalt Group.
The 35th Cleveland International Film Festival will be held March 24 to April 3, 2011 at Tower City Cinemas at Tower City Center.
For more information on the Academy's Festival Grant Program, visit here.
To read the CIFF release, click here.
Debuting in 2008 at the 32nd CIFF, the "Women of the World" program continues to grow in popularity, thanks in part to sponsorship from the Cobalt Group.
The 35th Cleveland International Film Festival will be held March 24 to April 3, 2011 at Tower City Cinemas at Tower City Center.
For more information on the Academy's Festival Grant Program, visit here.
To read the CIFF release, click here.
next american city recaps reclaiming vacant properties conference
If you didn't have an opportunity to attend the Reclaiming Vacant Properties conference held here two weeks ago, we urge you to read this thorough rundown in Next American City.
Reporting for the mag is Cleveland-based sustainability writer Marc Lefkowitz, a frequent Next American City contributor.
Cleveland was chosen to host the conference, explained keynote speaker Alex Kotlowitz, not simply because the city is plagued by foreclosures and vacant properties, but rather because Cleveland is "pushing back."
Lefkowitz writes that Kotlowitz was particularly inspired by Cleveland Housing Court Judge Raymond Pianka's efforts to adjudicate and fine banks in absentia. And during a session titled "Re-Imagining America's Older Industrial Cities," the writer quotes Presley Gillespie of Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation as saying they are "taking a page from Cleveland" by demolishing vacant properties to turn into community gardens. "We're talking about cities that are smaller but stronger," adds Gillespie.
The conference kicked off with tours of Cleveland's vacant land reuse efforts, which earned attention for creating a common language and roadmap for change, Lefkowitz says.
Read the entire conference report here.
Reporting for the mag is Cleveland-based sustainability writer Marc Lefkowitz, a frequent Next American City contributor.
Cleveland was chosen to host the conference, explained keynote speaker Alex Kotlowitz, not simply because the city is plagued by foreclosures and vacant properties, but rather because Cleveland is "pushing back."
Lefkowitz writes that Kotlowitz was particularly inspired by Cleveland Housing Court Judge Raymond Pianka's efforts to adjudicate and fine banks in absentia. And during a session titled "Re-Imagining America's Older Industrial Cities," the writer quotes Presley Gillespie of Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation as saying they are "taking a page from Cleveland" by demolishing vacant properties to turn into community gardens. "We're talking about cities that are smaller but stronger," adds Gillespie.
The conference kicked off with tours of Cleveland's vacant land reuse efforts, which earned attention for creating a common language and roadmap for change, Lefkowitz says.
Read the entire conference report here.
The Civic Commons is a modern-day marriage of online technology, citizen journalism, and civic collaboration. The mission? To inform, engage and lead local residents to action on any number of weighty topics. Our guides: Dan Moulthrop and Noelle Celeste.
cleveland offers a road map for other struggling cities, says MSN
Cleveland's progressive stance on urban farming continues to draw positive national attention, proving that even this crisis boasts a silver lining.
In her article titled "Faded glory: Suffering cities take aim at urban blight," MSN Real Estate reporter Melinda Fulmer shines a bright light on Cleveland's attempt to reinvent its future be reimagining its vacant property.
Of the ground-breaking Ohio City Farm she writes: "In years past, this industrial city probably wouldn't have embraced such a back-to-basics business as beets and beans. But after decades of heavy job and population losses -- and a particularly rough ride in the foreclosure crisis -- this six-acre urban farm on a former public housing tract has become symbolic of the many imaginative ways a shrinking city can reinvent itself when heavy industry leaves."
The article quotes OCNW executive director Eric Wobser as saying, "I think urban farms like this one will reposition the way people think about Cleveland. The local food movement has really caught on fire here."
Fulmer credits Cleveland as the first large shrinking city to adopt a master plan that acknowledges its reduced footprint and attempts to redesign a more vibrant and sustainable future around it.
And what's more, that progressive and sustainable policy, including the city's recent ordinance allowing chicks and bees, is precisely the type of efforts that attract new residents. She quotes Neighborhood Progress' Bobbi Reichtell in the following paragraph.
"This encouragement of a greener future — through 56 urban-farming and green-space grants on city-owned vacant property — is catching the eye of younger eco-friendly entrepreneurs, who have big dreams for more sustainable livelihoods in the city. The city has been very progressive. They recognize the scale of the challenge they face."
Dig into the entire story here.
In her article titled "Faded glory: Suffering cities take aim at urban blight," MSN Real Estate reporter Melinda Fulmer shines a bright light on Cleveland's attempt to reinvent its future be reimagining its vacant property.
Of the ground-breaking Ohio City Farm she writes: "In years past, this industrial city probably wouldn't have embraced such a back-to-basics business as beets and beans. But after decades of heavy job and population losses -- and a particularly rough ride in the foreclosure crisis -- this six-acre urban farm on a former public housing tract has become symbolic of the many imaginative ways a shrinking city can reinvent itself when heavy industry leaves."
The article quotes OCNW executive director Eric Wobser as saying, "I think urban farms like this one will reposition the way people think about Cleveland. The local food movement has really caught on fire here."
Fulmer credits Cleveland as the first large shrinking city to adopt a master plan that acknowledges its reduced footprint and attempts to redesign a more vibrant and sustainable future around it.
And what's more, that progressive and sustainable policy, including the city's recent ordinance allowing chicks and bees, is precisely the type of efforts that attract new residents. She quotes Neighborhood Progress' Bobbi Reichtell in the following paragraph.
"This encouragement of a greener future — through 56 urban-farming and green-space grants on city-owned vacant property — is catching the eye of younger eco-friendly entrepreneurs, who have big dreams for more sustainable livelihoods in the city. The city has been very progressive. They recognize the scale of the challenge they face."
Dig into the entire story here.
Danielle DeBoe does not object to the descriptor "retail pioneer," but
notes that her business decisions are guided less by simple dollars and
cents than by a desire to help Cleveland realize its potential. That's
why she's preparing to relocate her jewelry/art/accessories/lifestyle
shop Room Service
from West 65th and Detroit, in the popular Gordon Square Arts District,
to the up-and-coming Ohio City Market District, around West 25th and
Lorain.
"I'm motivated by a challenge," says DeBoe, an Ohio City resident who set up shop in Gordon Square "before anyone knew what it was."
"It isn't just the retail end that drives me," she adds. "I like feeling that I'm helping to move along progress in Cleveland in general."
Few approach that effort as imaginatively as DeBoe does. Her side projects include the Made in the 216 shopping event and Dinner with Strangers, which is like networking only cooler.
Her relocation is part of an ongoing development push led by Ohio City Near West CDC and private developer MRN Ltd. The goal is to build on and expand the growth that's occurred on West 25th north of Lorain Avenue.
"Businesses are meant to serve the community in some way," DeBoe says. "If Room Service can help encourage people to cross over Lorain and shop, I'm willing to give it a go.
Source: Danielle DeBoe
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
"I'm motivated by a challenge," says DeBoe, an Ohio City resident who set up shop in Gordon Square "before anyone knew what it was."
"It isn't just the retail end that drives me," she adds. "I like feeling that I'm helping to move along progress in Cleveland in general."
Few approach that effort as imaginatively as DeBoe does. Her side projects include the Made in the 216 shopping event and Dinner with Strangers, which is like networking only cooler.
Her relocation is part of an ongoing development push led by Ohio City Near West CDC and private developer MRN Ltd. The goal is to build on and expand the growth that's occurred on West 25th north of Lorain Avenue.
"Businesses are meant to serve the community in some way," DeBoe says. "If Room Service can help encourage people to cross over Lorain and shop, I'm willing to give it a go.
Source: Danielle DeBoe
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
City governments often get a bad rap. Cleveland's government is
especially vulnerable to dismissal, what with that lingering "mistake
on the lake" thing. But some informed government watchers — at Harvard,
no less — like what they see, at least in terms of the city's
willingness to cooperate with communities in building a better future.
The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government, recently recognized the Strategic Investment Initiative (SSI) — a partnership between the non-profit Neighborhood Progress Inc. and the City of Cleveland — as a "Bright Idea." The newly created Bright Ideas program "is designed to recognize and share creative government initiatives around the country with interested public sector, nonprofit, and academic communities."
"My understanding is that this [honor] is fairly unusual," says Walter Wright, Neighborhood Progress's senior program officer. SSI involves the city, but grew out of Neighborhood Progress's work with community development corporations. Today it includes the CDCs in Buckeye, Detroit Shoreway, Ohio City, Slavic Village and five other communities. Neighborhood Progress describes SSI as "a market-driven approach that incorporates a deeper investment in neighborhood planning, a concentration of resources on larger-scale project investments and the introduction of more comprehensive strategies to improving quality of life through green spaces, public art, and neighborhood stabilization strategies."
The Bright Idea designation is "basically an honorific," Wright says. But he welcomes the opportunity to discuss the SSI model with like-minded folks from around the country who will learn of it thanks to the nod from Harvard.
Source: Neighborhood Progress Inc.
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government, recently recognized the Strategic Investment Initiative (SSI) — a partnership between the non-profit Neighborhood Progress Inc. and the City of Cleveland — as a "Bright Idea." The newly created Bright Ideas program "is designed to recognize and share creative government initiatives around the country with interested public sector, nonprofit, and academic communities."
"My understanding is that this [honor] is fairly unusual," says Walter Wright, Neighborhood Progress's senior program officer. SSI involves the city, but grew out of Neighborhood Progress's work with community development corporations. Today it includes the CDCs in Buckeye, Detroit Shoreway, Ohio City, Slavic Village and five other communities. Neighborhood Progress describes SSI as "a market-driven approach that incorporates a deeper investment in neighborhood planning, a concentration of resources on larger-scale project investments and the introduction of more comprehensive strategies to improving quality of life through green spaces, public art, and neighborhood stabilization strategies."
The Bright Idea designation is "basically an honorific," Wright says. But he welcomes the opportunity to discuss the SSI model with like-minded folks from around the country who will learn of it thanks to the nod from Harvard.
Source: Neighborhood Progress Inc.
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
pittsburgh's pop city spreads the word about fresh water
In last week's issue of Pop City (yes, it's a sister IMG publication), writer Deb Smit reported on our dear publication.
"Fresh Water launches this month with the goods on Cleveland, news as it pertains to innovation, jobs, healthcare, lifestyle, design and arts and culture," she writes." The bubbly, blue homepage comes to life each Thursday with a fresh issue featuring vibrant photography and stories on the people shaking things up and the great places to visit."
Smit even encourages smitten Pittsburghers to subscribe. Thanks, Pop City!
Read all the news that's fit to pop here.
"Fresh Water launches this month with the goods on Cleveland, news as it pertains to innovation, jobs, healthcare, lifestyle, design and arts and culture," she writes." The bubbly, blue homepage comes to life each Thursday with a fresh issue featuring vibrant photography and stories on the people shaking things up and the great places to visit."
Smit even encourages smitten Pittsburghers to subscribe. Thanks, Pop City!
Read all the news that's fit to pop here.
washington post reporter steps outside the beltway, discovers cleveland
In a recent "Impulsive Traveler" article in the Washington Post, reporter Maryann Haggerty makes the short seven-hour drive to Cleveland, where she discovers that the city is no longer strangled by its "rust belt."
Using the Ohio City B&B J. Palen House as her home base, she beholds the glory that is Great Lakes Brewing Co., Flying Fig and the West Side Market. "It's huge," she notes, "vastly outsizing Capitol Hill's beloved Eastern Market. It's sparkling clean, putting Baltimore's Lexington Market to shame. And the variety! Pasta, sausage, cheese, pastry, pierogies, tamales, meat, meat, meat."
Other stops on the C-Land Express included the Bruce Springsteen exhibit at the Rock Hall and sloppy Polish Boy sandwiches at Freddie's Southern Style Rib House.
Breaking News: Haggerty enjoyed her visit so much that she rerouted her return trip to include another stop on the North Coast.
Read all the juicy details here.
Using the Ohio City B&B J. Palen House as her home base, she beholds the glory that is Great Lakes Brewing Co., Flying Fig and the West Side Market. "It's huge," she notes, "vastly outsizing Capitol Hill's beloved Eastern Market. It's sparkling clean, putting Baltimore's Lexington Market to shame. And the variety! Pasta, sausage, cheese, pastry, pierogies, tamales, meat, meat, meat."
Other stops on the C-Land Express included the Bruce Springsteen exhibit at the Rock Hall and sloppy Polish Boy sandwiches at Freddie's Southern Style Rib House.
Breaking News: Haggerty enjoyed her visit so much that she rerouted her return trip to include another stop on the North Coast.
Read all the juicy details here.
Through an initiative called Growing Communities, Charter One
bank is supporting ongoing efforts to develop Ohio City's Market
District, the neighborhood anchored by the venerable West Side Market
on West 25th. Much of Charter One's $130,000 grant will be
redirected by Ohio City Near West community development corporation to fledgling businesses in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.
"One of the things we're looking at is, how do we enhance the [West Side] market's ability to serve as an incubator," says OCNW executive director Eric Wobser. By way of example he cites Maha Falafil's opening of a second location, near Metrohealth Medical Center, and Lance's Beef's growing wholesale business.
But the step from market stand — or garden or one's own kitchen — to independent store or restaurant can be daunting. To ease the transition, OCNW has obtained another grant, from Neighborhood Progress Inc., to study the feasibility of replicating an Athens, Ohio-based commercial kitchen incubator; entrepreneurs could rent facilities by the hour or day, to cook, package or whatever else they can't do at home. The plan is part of the Ohio City Fresh Food Collaborative, which also involves Great Lakes Brewing Co. and The Refugee Response.
St. Emeric's Church, which is slated to close, is one possible location for the kitchen, says Wobser (though parishioners have appealed the closure decision to the Diocese). OCNW has had preliminary discussions with the Cleveland Botanical Garden about producing its Ripe From Downtown Salsa at the kitchen. Currently the ingredients, grown by Cleveland teens, are shipped to Chicago for packaging.
According to a press release, "Charter One will add new programs and grants to support the neighborhood development projects and the 2012 Market Centennial celebration through the Charter One Growing Communities initiative." OCNW is currently surveying businesses in the area, but he estimates that the largest employers in the area — Lutheran Hospital, St. Ignatius High School, Great Lakes Brewing and the market — currently provide 2,000 to 3,000 jobs.
Source: Ohio City Near West CDC
Writer: Frank W. Lewis
"One of the things we're looking at is, how do we enhance the [West Side] market's ability to serve as an incubator," says OCNW executive director Eric Wobser. By way of example he cites Maha Falafil's opening of a second location, near Metrohealth Medical Center, and Lance's Beef's growing wholesale business.
But the step from market stand — or garden or one's own kitchen — to independent store or restaurant can be daunting. To ease the transition, OCNW has obtained another grant, from Neighborhood Progress Inc., to study the feasibility of replicating an Athens, Ohio-based commercial kitchen incubator; entrepreneurs could rent facilities by the hour or day, to cook, package or whatever else they can't do at home. The plan is part of the Ohio City Fresh Food Collaborative, which also involves Great Lakes Brewing Co. and The Refugee Response.
St. Emeric's Church, which is slated to close, is one possible location for the kitchen, says Wobser (though parishioners have appealed the closure decision to the Diocese). OCNW has had preliminary discussions with the Cleveland Botanical Garden about producing its Ripe From Downtown Salsa at the kitchen. Currently the ingredients, grown by Cleveland teens, are shipped to Chicago for packaging.
According to a press release, "Charter One will add new programs and grants to support the neighborhood development projects and the 2012 Market Centennial celebration through the Charter One Growing Communities initiative." OCNW is currently surveying businesses in the area, but he estimates that the largest employers in the area — Lutheran Hospital, St. Ignatius High School, Great Lakes Brewing and the market — currently provide 2,000 to 3,000 jobs.
Source: Ohio City Near West CDC
Writer: Frank W. Lewis