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CLEVELAND, Ohio — As Yelp Cleveland’s Community Director, Lauren Kotmel is at the helm of a vibrant, buzzing community of locals who drink, shop and play their way through the city via peer recommendations on Yelp. Spring has sprung, and Lauren gave us the scoop on the food and drink trends taking over Cleveland this season. Embrace the new season with these local favorites from small businesses in the Greater Cleveland area.
The Queen of Thorns negroni cocktail, at Cloak & Dagger. (Photo: Cory H via Yelp Cleveland)
Negronis
Many may remember the summer of the aperol spritz. But this spring, expect to familiarize yourself with this classic Italian cocktail. Searches are up 49% for one of this year’s must-order cocktails. You can find a standout negroni cocktail at The Velvet Tango Room and a floral play on a white negroni, the Queen of Thorns cocktail, at Cloak & Dagger.
Harissa spiced cauliflower steak at Rood Food and Pie. (Photo: KayLyn G via Yelp Cleveland)
Cauliflower
Easily the new “it” vegetable, cauliflower is a tasty alternative to gluten-filled grains that can be endlessly whipped up into a variety of dishes. The buffalo cauliflower tempura at The Fairmount, harissa spiced cauliflower steak at Rood Food and Pie, and cauliflower small plate from Salt+ a Restaurant are the dishes not to miss this spring.
Remixx Ice Cream + Cereal Bar is whipping up customizable ice cream treats with your favorite old-school cereals. (Photo Lauren K via Yelp Cleveland)
Nostalgic Foods
Is anything quite as comforting as the food of your childhood, like vintage bites or after-school snacks? With the temperatures changing, Remixx Ice Cream + Cereal Bar is whipping up customizable ice cream treats with your favorite old-school cereals. Also on the list—the peanut butter and jelly sandwich with honey from La Bodega and the corn dog variations from Banter.
The curry chicken and plantains are favorites at Irie Jamaican Kitchen. (Photo: Irie Jamaican Kitchen via Yelp Cleveland)
Caribbean
Caribbean food is having a strong moment in Cleveland with its big flavors, colorful options, and cross-cultural influences. At UJerk Caribbean Eatery, Yelpers love the jerk chicken plate, while the curry chicken and plantains are favorites at Irie Jamaican Kitchen. At Taste of Jamaica. It’s all about the curry goat.
Egg bread sandwich from Lox, Stock and Brisket. (Photo: Helen S via Yelp Cleveland)
Egg bread
Throughout the pandemic, foodies spent time baking their own bread in the kitchen. For spring, Clevelanders will be visiting their local bakeries to pick up loaves of egg bread, like brioche and challah, as searches for egg bread are up 457%. Locally, businesses like Larder Delicatessen & Bakery, Lox, Stock and Brisket and Cafe Avalaun are serving up the delicious breads to make any meal swoon-worthy.
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