Some not-to-be-missed food-focused events are accepting reservations. Sure to reach capacity early, they’re well worth checking out.
Here’s a look:
Julia’s 1902, housed in the beautifully restored Willoughby House at 37819 Euclid Ave., hosts a five-course Italian dinner paired with wines from 6 to 8 p.m. May 20. Guest of honor Silvia Bernini of Italy’s Uggiano Winery will guide diners through an evening of Italian tradition and quiet elegance.
Willoughby House, Julia’s 1902 take hold in former Van Gorder Manor
Here’s a sampling of paired foods and wines:
Course 2 — Whipped Ricotta with roasted tomatoes, white anchovies and chili oil on Sardinia flatbread paired with Syrah Toscano.
Course 3 — Sardinia Fregola with Prince Edward Island mussels, calamari, Castelvetrano olives, Calabrian chilis, ají aioli paired with Chianti Riserva DOCG “Fagiano” Uggiano.
Course 4 — 24-Hour Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek with salsa verde and cauliflower puree paired with Brunello di Montalcino DOCG.
Tickets: $111 a person, which includes tax and service fee.
Reserve at julias1902.com.
Julia’s 1902 review: Bathed in history, Willoughby restaurant wows
Head east into nearby Ohio wine country to explore how horticultural design fosters well-being with Holden Arboretum horticulturist Caroline Watson. An intimate cellar session at Laurentia Vineyard and Winery, 4599 S. Madison Road (Route 528), Madison, covers plant selection, intentional design and mindfulness.
It’s from 4 to 5 p.m. on May 24 and includes a glass of wine and charcuterie. Tickets are $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Get them in the tasting room or online at laurentiawinery.com.
Top chefs from throughout the area are fine-tuning their small plates for Cleveland’s Top Chefs: A Premier Culinary Experience, the annual fundraiser for culinary scholarships at the Chester Township-based International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute. Last year’s event was in late summer, but this year’s will be on June 14 so that current ICASI students may be part of the event.
Just as it was last year, freshly picked local produce from Eddy Fruit Farm in Chester Township will be sold to those attending the Cleveland’s Top Chefs fundraiser for culinary school scholarships at the International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute, also in Chester, on June 14. (Courtesy of ICASI)
Almost 20 Northeast Ohio chefs, many at the helm of prominent restaurants, will work on the grounds and in the culinary school’s professional kitchens at 8700 Mayfield Road to prepare and serve signature small plates typical of the dishes for which they’ve become known.
Guests will also join a bourbon tasting, sip crafted cocktails and taste wines against a backdrop of live music. Raffle grand prizes will include a trip to Portugal led by chef Loretta Paganini, ICASI founder; a multi-course dinner for four at Cru Uncorked in Moreland Hills; and several Dine Around packages for Northeast Ohio restaurants.
Hedy and Talia Trovato, the owners and chefs at Coppia in Willoughby, prep small plates for last year’s Cleveland’s Top Chefs fundraiser. They’ll be back for this year’s event on June 14 at the International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute in Chester Township. (Courtesy of ICASI)
Among the participating chefs are several ICASI graduates, including Dante Boccuzzi, Dante; Rusty and Lianne Phillips, The Pompadour; Richard Cunningham, Sara’s Place; Sam Lesniak, Cru Uncorked; Talia and Hedy Trovato, Coppia; Paul Minnillo and Matt Mytro, Flour; Lydia Boker, LockKeepers; and Jeremy Umansky, Larder Delicatessen & Bakery.
Renovated Lockkeepers in Valley View serves excellent Italian-American fare | Restaurant review
All proceeds directly benefit scholarships for ICASI culinary and pastry students.
The last two ICASI fundraisers sold out, so early reservations are suggested. Tickets are $175 a person and may be booked at icasi.square.site.
Dining and Cooking