News Bites (14)

Love for the Local Boys

Being a Cleveland chef tastes pretty good right now. Take it from chef Eric Williams of Momocho, Zack Bruell of Parallax, Cory Barrett of Lola and Jonathon Sawyer of The Greenhouse Tavern, who were all nominated for this year’s James Beard Foundation Awards. With thousands of chefs from which to choose and from larger restaurant markets, judges nominated both Williams and Bruell for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region, a category won by Michael Symon last year. An Outstanding Pastry Chef nomination goes to Barrett, and Sawyer was nominated as Rising Star Chef of the Year. Williams says it’s the greatest compliment he and his staff could ever receive. “I’m honored, flattered; I still don’t know what the words are.” Winners will be announced May 2 and 3.

The Honors Continue

If you thought Cleveland’s culinary scene couldn’t beam any brighter, just ask Jonathan Bennett, executive chef and partner of Moxie, the Restaurant and Red, the Steakhouse. He recently earned the 2010 International Foodservice Manufacturers Association Silver Plate award in the Independent Restaurants category. “What it recognizes is commitment to the industry, commitment to the community and commitment to our employees,” says Bennett of the honor. “It’s a big thing.”

Third Time’s A Charm

Pacific East owner Freeman Ngo has opened a new location in Solon, raising his number of Japanese eateries to three. The late February opening was a logical choice says Ngo. “Solon has actually one of the biggest Asian populations in Cleveland,” he says. Guests can still expect the same sushi, teriyaki and other japanese eats, but don’t be surprised to see Malaysian items on the menu. The space itself is much larger than its Coventry and Eton counterparts. It seats 100 diners and has a larger sushi bar.

Openings:

Pacific East, 33003 Aurora Road, Solon, 440-498-3223