Last month, I had the privilege of touring Cleveland and visiting some of the city’s finest dining establishments and sustainable local farms. I had never been to Cleveland before and had very little preconceptions about the city, although I must admit that the Drew Carey Show’s theme song played in my head every time I thought of Cleveland (Cleveland rocks!). Thanks to our tour guides, the lovely ladies of Positively Cleveland, I now know that Drew was right—Cleveland rocks.
I was thoroughly impressed by the chefs and the farm owners we met with during the trip. Each expressed his or her sincere dedication to improving the city’s economy through the food industry, by using sustainable techniques that would benefit Cleveland’s inhabitants in both the short and the long term. Chefs partner with nearby farms to ensure that they can serve super fresh, high quality ingredients. They support each other, often in friendly competitions, in ways that challenge their culinary artistry and encourage the community to support local agriculture.
We visited local farms, including Ohio City Farm, a nearly six-acre farm located near West Side Market, which employs refugees and grows produce for several local restaurants as well as the Great Lakes Brewing Company. After that, we headed to the Culinary Vegetable Institute and sampled hors d’oeuvres while learning more about Farmer Lee Jones’ philosophy. We toured greenhouses in The Chefs Garden, the leading grower of artisanal produce in the U.S.
Lastly, we sampled wine at Firelands Winery and later toured Great Lakes Brewing Company. All in all, it was a whirlwind trip full of vibrant produce, inventive dishes and inspiring dining experiences. I’m at a loss for words, really, which is why it’s taken me so long to share. I hope these photos explain the rest. They’re just a small sampling of the photos I took—you can view them all in my Cleveland photo album on Facebook.
You can also listen to Farmer Lee Jones talk about his farming philosophy on Ingredients, a great documentary that is available for instant streaming on Netflix.
Disclaimer: Positively Cleveland provided the travel and accommodations for this trip. Opinions expressed are my own.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Kate King
my husband (then boyfriend) used to live in Cleveland for a year so I’d visit and go to the Great Lakes Brewery. This is so cool and sounds like you took away a lot from your visit.
dana @ my little cel
Great post! I’m totally jealous of your farm adventures! What a foodie dream : )
Maria
How fun!!! Thanks for sharing!
Bev Weidner
This is incredible! That raw salad has me weepy.
Erica
I love stuff like this. Thanks for sharing the info, as well as the beautiful photos!
Katrina
This sounds like a ball! So fun. Thanks for sharing :)
Sarah B.
The multi-color cauliflower salad looks heavenly. Do I see some type of creamy mustardy dressing going on in there? Looks so yum. Inspiring! I’m also wondering what the spiny white shavings are…cabbage? :) Intrigued.
Katherine Martinelli
What a cool trip! Makes me want to go to Cleveland :-) Great photos.
NicoleD
I love all of your pictures! I had no idea that Cleveland had so many treasures!
arch nemesis
chefs garden is not organic as you stated.alsoalot of the products comes from other farms
kate
Thanks for pointing that out. I removed “organic” from my description of their lettuce.
Clevelandchick
Thank you for writing about our local food and farm scene. The city of Cleveland approved both bee and chicken keeping a few years ago. I went on a garden tour this past summer in the Detroit Shoreway district, at least 5 houses of the 25 home tour had bees and chickens.
For more information about the many urban farms, farmers markets and local food scene in our town go to www.localfoodcleveland.org. It’s kind of like a Face Book for local foodies/farmers and gardeners.
Grace
Awesome! This inspires me for your inevitable trip to Minneapolis! :D What an interesting way to explore a new city and community!