Cleveland Articles

The area near downtown better known as “The Flats” has been an integral part of the city’s history since its very beginning and continues to be a nerve center of activity and development today. In 1796, the city’s founder, Moses Cleaveland and his survey party landed on this area that borders both sides of the Cuyahoga River at the Lake Erie shore front on the north side of downtown. The Flats was home to Cleveland’s industrial district and steel mills that located there to capitalize on the Great Lakes shipping routes until the 1970’s.

As a young boy growing up in the Midwest in the early 1970’s, my Sunday afternoons in the fall and winter were filled with the NFL and the resulting family gatherings that ensued. The voice of Curt Gowdy will be forever etched into my conciousness as he called the games for the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.

Thierry Guetta, internationally known as Mr. Brainwash, followed and documented street artists on film beginning in 1999, ultimately filming the most famous street artist: Banksy.  

The b.a. Sweetie Candy Company is located in Parma, which is just outside of Cleveland, Ohio. Sweeties Candy has the bragging rights to being the largest candy store in North America, with 16 aisles of candy with sweets stacked 16 feet in the air! 

“Where can I get one of those cool Cleveland t-shirts I keep seeing?” If this is a thought that crossed your mind while watching Cleveland shine in the national television spotlight these last few months, the good news is that there are a bevy of Cleveland t-shirt makers and other local artists.

After you’ve shoveled yourself full of turkey and stuffing, don’t assume the only thing left to do is watch hours of football from a Laz-E-Boy whilst noshing on leftovers (unless, of course, that’s your thing).

Nestled in Cleveland’s east side neighborhood of Moreland Hills is one of the finest dining destinations, not only in Cleveland but the entire United States. Cru Uncorked is a fine French Dining restaurant that has been created with the attention to absolutely every possible detail. From the marble used in the entrance fountain outside to the wine cellar, only the best and absolute finest ingredients and materials have been used.

Gervasi Vineyard’s 55-acre estate, located in the heart of Canton brings the feel of Tuscany with its stunning landscape and elegant décor. While you’ll find no shortage of grapes on the estate, Gervasi Vineyard is far more than a winery. In addition to great wines, its eateries, events, crush house, and four diamond, award-winning boutique inn and villas all help make the vineyard a great escape for an afternoon, or an entire weekend.

Gervasi Vineyard in Canton, Ohio, will be expanding Gervasi Village with the addition of a luxury boutique hotel and distillery on the 55-acre estate. The construction of this two-building expansion will begin this spring.

John Stropki is the Executive Head Chef at Cru Uncorked. A Cleveland native, John studied at The Culinary Institute of America and The French Pastry School. He apprenticed with American Culinary Federation and has experience in a variety of hospitality offerings including hotels, restaurants, clubs and corporate dining.

The artistry of the craft drew him to the industry after high school. He is passionate about plate design, pastry proficiency and culinary education. As the Executive Head Chef at Cru Uncorked, John feels blessed to express his vision as a chef work while working with the highest integrity ingredients at this world-class organization.