News Bites

Mystery Meal

Celebrate Valentine's Day early by scoring a seat at this month's Dinner in the Dark, held Feb. 10 at Crave in Akron. The foodie in your life will be impressed by this secret six-course meal created by local chefs. In the past, guests have dined on dishes from Rockefeller's Jill Vedaa and Crop Bistro & Bar's Steve Schimoler. "It gives chefs the opportunity to work with products they can't usually work with," says Brian Okin, event co-founder and owner of Cork & Cleaver Social Kitchen. "The chefs are free to do whatever they want." Ticket proceeds go to a charity selected by participating chefs.

Culture Club

Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar is ready to party Feb. 24 through March 4. The restaurant will celebrate with a Carnaval menu, a twist on the Brazilian festival held before the start of the Lenten season. Look for several Latin street food-themed dishes, such as sweet and sour steak skewers and salmon ceviche, and drinks, such as passion fruit caipirinhas. "Come as a group," suggests chef Robert Cabrales. "The more people you bring, the more things you can try without getting too full."

Southern Hospitality

Rocco Whalen is heading south for the winter — but for a good reason. The second location of his popular Tremont restaurant, Fahrenheit, opens later month on the rooftop of Skye Condominiums in Charlotte, N.C. Guests will get a taste of Cleveland thanks to favorites from the original spot such as braised short ribs and pork tenderloin. "Cleveland made me who I am from a culinary standpoint," Whalen says.