Skrtic's Pics: SuperPimp, Korea House, Llamacita

John Skrtic has been with the Cleveland Public Library for over 30 years. He now serves as the chief of special projects and collections, which makes him responsible for overseeing the 11 million items in the Library Collection. He holds a master's of library and information science from Kent State University and a master's of public administration from Cleveland State University. Skrtic grew up on East 41st Street in Downtown Cleveland and has lived in the city his entire life. He is father of two children and spends his free time archiving the people and places of Cleveland.

James J. Badal

You never know who you'll meet over dinner in Tremont. I had stopped into Prosperity Social Club for a meal when I found myself sitting next to James J. Badal. What began as a casual conversation stretched into one of those Cleveland evenings you wish could last another hour. We talked about neighborhoods, history, forgotten stories, and the people who spent their lives trying to understand them. I enjoyed the conversation so much that I later met Jim again for lunch, wanting to hear more. Jim grew up in Shaker Heights and has called Tremont home for the past 26 years. He spent four decades teaching at Cuyahoga Community College. His classroom reached far beyond campus. Through his books, he has taught generations of Clevelanders that history isn't just found in archives. Sometimes it's buried in police files, old newspaper clippings, and memories that refuse to disappear.

I first became aware of Jim's work in 2001 when I read In the Wake of the Butcher, his landmark study of Cleveland's infamous Torso Murders. It was the first full-length examination of one of the city's greatest unsolved mysteries and remains essential reading for anyone interested in Cleveland history. Jim told me his fascination with the case began in the eighth grade after a teacher mentioned the killings, proving that one classroom conversation can shape a lifetime of scholarship. He went on to write Twilight of Innocence, examining the disappearance of Beverly Potts, and The Collinwood Tragedy, his account of the devastating 1908 school fire that claimed the lives of 172 children, teachers, and rescuers. His books don't sensationalize tragedy. They patiently gather facts, question assumptions, and restore humanity to people who have too often become little more than headlines.

That's what stayed with me after our conversations. Jim isn't chasing crime stories. He's preserving Cleveland's memory. He reminds us that every mystery began with a real person, every victim had a family, and every neighborhood carries stories worth remembering. Thanks, Jim, for sharing your time, your knowledge, and your lifelong commitment to telling Cleveland's stories. Our city is richer because you've spent so many years making sure its history isn't forgotten.

Korea House

For almost five decades, Korea House has been one of Cleveland’s enduring landmarks, a restaurant that has helped shape the story of the neighborhood since opening in 1978 at 3700 Superior Avenue. This family restaurant has introduced generations of Clevelanders to Korean food and culture, creating a place where people discovered new flavors, traditions, and a different way of sharing a meal. Long before Korean cuisine became widely known across the country, Korea House was serving the community and building a loyal following. Through changing times, it has remained a constant part of Cleveland’s food landscape.

I was lucky to capture a moment with husband and wife team Sunhee and Kiljung Jung, who keep Korea House moving every day with a quiet confidence and nonstop dedication. Watching them work is like watching a well-rehearsed dance. They welcome guests, manage the dining room, and deliver each dish with the care that comes from years of experience. I have ordered hot bibimbap across the country, always comparing and searching for the best. Korea House has perfected this dish. The sizzling stone bowl, the crisp rice, the fresh vegetables, and the balance of flavors come together in a way that keeps people coming back. 

Llamacita

Originally from Tacoma, Washington, Bianca Beach grew up in a family where food was at the center of everyday life. With both of her parents working as chefs, the kitchen became her first classroom and inspired a lifelong dream of building a business of her own. That journey was not without challenges. As a young adult, Bianca overcame an eight-year battle with bulimia, an experience that transformed her relationship with food and inspired her to help others rediscover the joy of cooking and eating. She later lived in Los Angeles, where she developed a love for the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine and began creating the recipes that would eventually become Llamacita.

Bianca and her husband moved to Cleveland Heights eight years ago and have found the kind of community they were hoping for as they built a life and raised their family. It was great meeting Bianca and her husband at Shooters and hearing about their journey, their business, and the experiences that brought them to Northeast Ohio. Listening to how an idea that began years ago has grown into a thriving small business made our conversation even more meaningful.

One of the highlights was learning about Llamacita and its four signature flavors, each reflecting Bianca's passion for fresh ingredients and bold, approachable cooking. Her enthusiasm for bringing people together through food was evident throughout our conversation. It was also great getting a photo of Bianca on the patio overlooking the river. It was the perfect setting to capture someone whose entrepreneurial spirit and determination have added another unique story to Cleveland's growing community of small business owners. You can also catch Bianca online, where she does a wonderful job sharing recipes, stories, and the joy that inspired her business. Follow her on Instagram at @biancabeachfood and learn more about Llamacita and its products at lamacitafoods.com.

Little Wolf

I was glad to see my friend Chef Angela Lupica at the Collinwood BBQ sponsored by Doinks and Millie's. I came hoping to grab a photo and maybe try something she created, but by the time I got there, Angela had already sold out of everything. That is the kind of problem every chef hopes for, but it also says something about the trust she has built with people. They show up because they know Angela puts a piece of herself into everything she makes.

Angela grew up in Parma and has spent the last 15 years working her way through Cleveland kitchens, learning the craft and finding her own voice. She is the kind of chef who believes the details matter, the ingredients matter, and the people behind the food matter. Her journey has taken her through bakeries like Bon Bon, Cleveland Bagel, Fluffy Duck, and Sophie La Gourmand, and restaurants including Lola Bistro and Salt & Abundance Culinary. Today, she is teaming up with Gaby Holzer as pastry chef at Hereafter, opening this summer in Ohio City, while continuing her Little Wolf project through custom orders and pop-ups.

What stands out about Angela is not just what she creates, but what she stands for. She talks honestly about the restaurant world, the struggles workers face, and the importance of making room for more voices in professional kitchens. Her style is creative, gritty, and built from years of showing up and doing the work. Angela's story is a Cleveland story: a person with a craft, a community behind her, and a determination to keep learning while sharing something meaningful with others. littlewolffbakes.com

SuperPimp

It was great getting lunch with Mike Toth, better known around Cleveland as SuperPimp. Sitting with Mike and hearing his life story reminded me that behind every unforgettable character is a lifetime of experiences. Mike grew up in Lorain, attended Admiral King High School, spent time at Bowling Green State University, served in the U.S. Army, and became a captain. Military service was a major part of his family story. Mike spoke with pride about his father’s service as an Army paratrooper, sharing that his dad jumped behind enemy lines during D-Day. That legacy of courage and service clearly shaped Mike’s own journey. After leaving the military, Mike built a career at Progressive Insurance while continuing to find ways to entertain and connect with people.

Mike told me he was always drawn to performing and the energy of nightlife, even as a kid. Over the years, people gave him different nicknames, including Rod Stewart and Money Mike in Akron, before the name everyone knows today became part of Cleveland culture: SuperPimp. He joked about the funny name but embraced the character, explaining that he always loved dressing up, having fun with fashion, and creating a memorable experience for people. What started as a personality turned into invitations around town because people wanted Mike’s positive energy at their parties and events. His message has always been simple: good friends, good family, and good times.

Mike’s story took another turn in 2024 when he was seriously injured in a crash involving a semi-truck. During our conversation, he spoke about being overwhelmed by the love and support he received from Clevelanders during his recovery. He talked sweetly about his only daughter, what family means to him, and how his loved ones rallied around him when he needed them most. It was so nice hearing how thankful Mike is after this scare and how grateful he is to still be here, continuing to make so many people smile. It was great getting a photo of Mike sitting at the bar, holding court like only Mike can. People kept coming up to tell him how great he looked, compliment his style, and ask for photos. As he continues recovering, Mike said he is excited to get back out because he loves talking with people. He feeds off that energy and continues spreading the positivity, smiles, and Cleveland kindness that have made people love being around him for so many years. To learn more about Mike, follow his journey, or book him for an event, visit superpimp.com.

Bart Gabbard

I first met Bart Gabbard when he was behind the bar at Bookhouse Brewing in Ohio City. He was the kind of bartender who remembered your name, slid a beer across the bar with a smile, and somehow made a room full of strangers feel like regulars. Between pouring pints, he'd talk about a dream he and his friend Caleb Brown had of opening a neighborhood brewery called Mosaic. Back then it was just conversations over beers, scribbled ideas, and a belief that Cleveland still had room for another gathering place. I recently caught up with Bart on the rooftop of Mosaic Brewing, 2070 W. 7th St., Cleveland. He stood there smiling with a beer in his hand, the Cleveland skyline stretching behind him. 

Bart's story starts in Slavic Village, moves through Westlake and a brief stop in Lakewood, before bringing him back home to Cleveland, where he now lives in Tremont. His road into brewing wasn't carefully mapped out. He chased music, worked as a stage manager, and later found himself at Barrio. Then an old friend handed him a homebrewing kit, a simple gift that quietly changed everything. He spent hours at the Cleveland Brew Shop asking questions, trading stories, and learning from anyone willing to share what they knew. That curiosity carried him through Great Lakes Brewing Co., Phunkenship, and other Northeast Ohio breweries, eventually earning his Brewing Certificate from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, along with becoming a Certified Cicerone®, a Certified Cider Professional, and completing the AB InBev Brewers Collective Leadership Program through Cornell University.

Those long conversations Bart and Caleb once had eventually became Mosaic Brewing. Together with Toby Hagedorn and Ed King, they built more than another place to grab a beer. They built a neighborhood gathering spot where hospitality matters as much as what fills the glass. Today, Bart serves as General Manager and Founding Partner, always happy to explain a style of beer, recommend something new, or simply talk with whoever pulls up a stool. Away from the brewery, he enjoys fly fishing, backpacking, live music, cheering for Chelsea FC and Cleveland's soccer community, and finding the next good story. Like the best bartenders, Bart understands that people may come in for the beer, but they return because someone made them feel like they belonged.

RELATED: Anthology Cask House To Open in Former Bookhouse Brewing Space

Chutni Punch

It was great meeting Sahithya Wintrich at the Cleveland Market in AsiaTown and learning the story behind Chutni Punch. Born in Bengaluru, India, Sahithya grew up surrounded by the flavors, spices, and traditions that would eventually inspire her company. Some of her strongest childhood memories are connected to food, especially chutney podi, a traditional spice blend her family used to add flavor to everyday meals. A Cleveland State University graduate with a background in software and biomedical engineering, Sahithya eventually combined her technical experience with her love of food to create something uniquely her own. Today, she lives in Shaker Heights and has turned those childhood memories into Chutni Punch, a company inspired by the flavors of South India.

Chutni Punch started with a simple idea: make traditional South Indian spice blends easier for everyone to enjoy. Launched in 2022, Sahithya created blends including Super Sesame, Spicy Peanut, and Savory Chana that can add bold flavor to everything from traditional dishes to everyday meals. What stood out about her story is how connected the business is to family, memory, and community. Chutni Punch is more than a spice company. It is Sahithya's way of sharing the flavors that shaped her life while creating new food memories for people in Cleveland and beyond. For more information and to explore her amazing products, check out Chutni Punch at chutnipunch.com.

Linedance is My Therapy

It was great meeting up with Devin J. Butler in Playhouse Square and learning the story behind Linedance Is My Therapy. Originally from Richmond Heights and now a South Euclid resident, Devin has spent a lifetime building skills that all came together to create something special. He became fascinated with lighting when he received a strobe light for his 11th birthday, sparking a lifelong passion for stage production and creating memorable experiences. That same love of lighting can be seen at his line dance events, where people are welcomed into a space filled with energy, music, and exciting visuals. Devin is a 33-year roller skater, a hip hop class instructor, has taught job training skills through Tri-C, and holds a degree in marketing. All of those experiences helped him launch Linedance Is My Therapy on September 18, 2024. What stood out most was how much Devin believes in the mission and how passionate he is about creating a place where people can connect, have fun, and feel welcome.

Meeting people before one of his downtown classes, it was clear why so many Clevelanders are showing up. They talked about the fun, the friendships, the camaraderie, and the chance to get a great workout while dancing with friends and neighbors. Devin has created more than a dance class. He has created a community where hundreds of people can come together, laugh, move, and leave with a smile. As more people look for meaningful social connections and ways to get out and meet others, I believe Devin’s vision will continue to grow. Linedance Is My Therapy offers something simple but powerful: music, movement, friendship, and a reason for people to come together. Follow Linedance Is My Therapy on Facebook and Instagram to see upcoming events and be part of this growing Cleveland community.

For more updates about Cleveland, sign up for our Cleveland Magazine Daily newsletter, delivered to your inbox six times a week.

Cleveland Magazine is also available in print, featuring immersive stories, helpful guides and beautiful photography and design.