Banana Blossom
Banana Blossom Thai Cuisine at 2800 Clinton Avenue, in Ohio City, has been delighting Clevelanders with authentic Thai cooking since 2010. As it enters its 15th year, this beloved restaurant continues to specialize in traditional dishes like pad thai, green curry, drunken noodles, and the irresistible mango sticky rice, as well as to offer an array of vegetarian and vegan options. It was great to meet up with co-owner Yuki Yuenyadchai, who graciously posed alongside the ever-charming Patty Meekham. Although co-owner Minky Teeranijviriya declined to join in for a snapshot, her creative presence is felt continuously through the exquisite meals she lovingly prepares. Yuki and Minky were married six years ago and live in Cleveland. They bring their lifelong culinary expertise and their passion for making delicious food to each meal served at Banana Blossom.
Westside Skates
Westside Skates has been a cornerstone of Northeast Ohio’s skateboarding community since Brian Jules opened the shop in 1995. Located at 14407 Madison Avenue in Lakewood, it remains as eye-poppingly fresh as ever. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and vibrant selection of gear, Westside Skates is beloved by skaters of all ages. It’s where my own kids got their first boards, and it continues to be a trusted hub for skateboarding enthusiasts. A big thank-you goes to Ben Kretz and his team, Bean and Darla, for posing for this photo. A skater since age 4, Ben has worked at Westside Skates for a year and a half and is widely respected as a skate expert and the creator of the popular “White Claw Invitational” annual skating event. He spoke passionately about Cleveland’s unique skate culture, where community is key. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, Westside Skates is the go-to spot for top-notch gear and the latest on Cleveland’s vibrant skateboarding scene.
Blues Trio
Blues fans packed the Rush Inn in Avon on Sunday January 5 for an electrifying performance by local legends Colin Dussault, Austin Walkin' Cane, and Fred Tobey. The trio’s unique blend of blues mastery and decades-long camaraderie created an unforgettable night of soul-stirring music. All three musicians grew up in Rocky River and Lakewood, finding each other in the vibrant Cleveland music scene of the 1980s. Their deep roots and shared history resonate in every note they play, a testament to their commitment to keeping the blues alive both locally and beyond. This particular night was led by Austin Walkin’ Cane, whose raspy vocals and nimble guitar work anchored the show. With Colin’s harmonica and Fred’s basslines added in, the trio’s seamless chemistry thrilled the crowd, proving why they remain staples of Cleveland’s music scene.
Aladdin's
I recently visited Aladdin's Baking Co. at 1301 Carnegie Avenue, a cherished Cleveland institution founded in 1970 by brothers Carl and Gus Nahra, along with their cousin Maurice Abood. This family-owned bakery has long been a local favorite for authentic Mediterranean breads and pastries. During my visit, I had the pleasure of speaking with family members Dominic Ina and Nabeela Tawasha. Nabeela has dedicated over 20 years to the business and shared her enthusiasm for their exceptional products and the bakery's rich history. Known for its signature pocket pita, which has been a market leader for over 50 years, Aladdin's also offers naan bread, flat wraps, gyro breads, and pita chips. Everything is made with an unwavering commitment to authenticity and quality. The bakery’s marketplace features a treasure trove of imported Mediterranean goods, making it a one-stop shop for fans of Middle Eastern cuisine. For the best experience, stop by early on a Saturday morning to snag their delicious mini pizzas—a unique treat you won’t find anywhere else in Cleveland.
Bowed String Shop
The Bowed String Shop is a jewel located at 17305 Madison Avenue in Lakewood. Established in August 2021, this unique string instrument shop caters to violin, viola, cello, and double bass players of all levels. Owner Chris DeMarco, a Lakewood resident, professional musician, and skilled luthier, brings passion and expertise to his craft. With undergraduate and master’s degrees in bass performance, Chris turned a garage startup into a thriving local business that’s as cool as it is specialized, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about string instruments. The Bowed String Shop offers everything from instrument sales and rentals to repairs and restorations. DeMarco features a curated selection of fine antique and modern instruments. The shop is open for walk-ins during the week and offers weekend appointments for more personalized service. Learn more at www.bowedstringshop.com.
Harter Dentistry
It was a true privilege to spend time learning about Harter Dentistry, one of Lakewood’s most esteemed dental practices, at 18224 Detroit Avenue. Dr. Bob Harter, a proud graduate of St. Ignatius High School and Western Reserve University, opened his practice in 1957. He served countless Lakewood families across generations, with dedication and compassion, for an extraordinary 60 years until he retired in 2017. Dr. Bob’s legacy grew even stronger when his son, Dr. Chris Harter, joined the practice in 1989 after graduating from OSU Dental School. A few years later, in 1994, Chris’s wife, Dr. Jill Harter, brought her exceptional skills to the practice. Together, the next generation continues to uphold the values, professionalism, and standard of excellent care that Dr. Bob established. It was wonderful to hear the Harter family share many stories of how the neighborhood, their practice, and the field of dentistry have evolved over the decades.
LJ Shanghai
Located in Cleveland’s AsiaTown neighborhood, at 3142 Superior Avenue, LJ Shanghai achieved the prestigious honor of being named to Yelp’s 2024 list of Top Chinese Restaurants in the U.S.— the only Ohio eatery to be given this accolade. Since opening in November 2017, this family-owned treasure has become synonymous with authentic Shanghai cuisine. They have earned rave reviews for their mouthwatering soup dumplings, which are among the best anywhere. LJ Huang and her son, Sky Tsui, shared with me the story of their inspiring 2011 journey from Shanghai to Cleveland. Their hard work and passion in bringing their culinary dream to life have resulted in a restaurant beloved by locals and recognized nationwide. LJ Shanghai’s well-deserved accolades make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the pinnacle of Chinese cuisine.
Felton Thomas, Jr., Dr. Warren Morgan, LaRese Purnell
Trustees and executive leadership of the Cleveland Public Library, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and Cleveland Public Library Foundation mixed and mingled at Main Library on December 12 in pursuit of mutual collaboration relating to education, literacy, and the joy of reading. Felton Thomas, Jr., has been the Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library since 2009. Throughout his 40-year career in libraries, Thomas has been a recognized leader in the field of library and information science. He has served as President of the Public Library Association and Chair of the Board of Directors for the Digital Public Library of America, among other posts. Dr. Warren Morgan was appointed CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District in 2023. He is an experienced educator who recognizes the potential in each child to achieve excellence. Dr. Morgan was selected to be a White House Fellow in 2016, an experience through which he worked closely with U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. John King. LaRese Purnell is the President of the Board of Directors of the Cleveland Public Library Foundation. A prominent advocate for financial literacy, he is the co-owner and managing partner of CLE Consulting Firm, an accounting, tax and payroll company. Purnell has traveled to more than 35 cities throughout the U.S. to teach financial literacy at colleges and universities, conventions, and other events.
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