For more than 25 years, Douglas Katz has worked hard to bring new tastes to Cleveland. When the chef does take some time off (a rarity), here’s where to find him.
Inspiring flavors: My favorite place to try something with new and inspiring flavors in Cleveland is Alea [in Ohio City]. I love the small venue, the open kitchen and the simplicity of the space. I also love the way that Athan Zarnas, the chef, creates dishes. He uses fresh ingredients and highlights the ingredients over anything else. You can really taste the food, each individual thing and how it goes together. As a chef, I just love that simplicity.
Quick bite: I have too many. I love Patron Saint [in Ohio City]. It might be more like a half-hour, quick lunch. I love going there because the food comes up quickly. You can sit at the bar counter and get a quick salad, or you could get two or three different shareable plates. It’s a super fun neighborhood spot. To me, it’s all about the quality of the food and the ingredients. I also love running into Beet Jar after I go to the gym and grabbing these awesome smoothie bowls with dates, nuts and almond butter.
Best spot to unwind: In the summer, I would say the Flight Cleveland patio [in Detroit Shoreway] to have a glass of wine. I can take my dog and sit outside. If it’s not food-related, Edgewater Park is my favorite place to go, two or three times a day, just to clear my mind, take calls or walk my dog. I just love it; we’re so lucky.
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