Cutler Blog
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Explore Ohio: 8 Places to Learn to Cook Like a Pro
Cooking is an essential life skill that everyone should have some practice with. Why not take your dishes to the next level by learning from the pros? Here are just a few of the many places you can go to learn cooking techniques from some of Ohio's top chefs.
Loretta Paganini School of Cooking
8613 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
The Loretta Paganini School of Cooking is one of the most renowned culinary institutions in Northeast Ohio. The crown jewel of the International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute, this school offers classes for laypeople as well as up-and-coming professional chefs. Some are even taught by Paganini herself!
The school's curriculum includes a set of intensive four-week classes to teach basic techniques like knife skills, grilling, and sauce-making—perfect for those just starting out in the kitchen. There are also a variety of standalone classes available to help you brush up on your execution of specific dishes, including ravioli, ragout, and various surf and turf plates.
Stir Studio Kitchen
4461 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Ever looked up a recipe for a particular dish and immediately regretted it when you saw what the instructions looked like? Stir Studio Kitchen is all about teaching kitchen novices to master specific meals that they might otherwise find intimidating. Each course is 2-3 hours long, and most take place in the evening.
The classes cover dishes from a wide range of cuisines, including everything from chicken pot pie with citrus poppyseed salad to homemade naan with chana masala and palak paneer. Many of their classes include dishes that can be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. Just let them know in advance so they can make sure they have the right ingredients on hand!
The Mix
250 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
The Mix is Columbus State Community College's official culinary branch. All of this acclaimed Columbus institution's classes are taught by experienced chefs, many of whom have also published well-known cookbooks and food columns.
These hands-on courses run for about 2 hours each. Most of them teach you how to cook a single dish, such as Beef Wellington, Spanish paella, and French crepes. Others cover a few dishes related to a central theme, such as their Mardi Gras Celebration class in late February.
The Seasoned Farmhouse
3674 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
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Cooking doesn't have to be a high-stakes passion pursuit to be enjoyable. The folks at The Seasoned Farmhouse call their organization a recreational cooking school, a term they use to signpost their more relaxed cooking philosophy. The classes are still taught by professional chefs, but there's no pressure—it's all just for fun.
Classes come in both hands-on and demonstration formats and are available evenings and afternoons. Whether you're interested in making hearty favorites like homemade bagels or fancy dishes like Beef Wellington, you're sure to find a course that will teach you what you need to know.
Quinci Emporium
11 Buttles Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
The Quinci Emporium began as a gourmet food store when it first opened a few years back. Now, the company offers cooking classes in addition to its retail operations. You can take a 2- to 3-hour course with chef Deborah Quinci or a member of her team on most days of the week.
The dishes covered in these classes range from savory classics like Tortellini with Broth and Lasagna Bolognese to sweet treats like cookies and biscotti. All recipes use the store's own fresh ingredients, including wines, meats, cheeses, pasta, and breads.
Tablespoon Cooking Co.
1731 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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You don't have to be a kitchen whiz to benefit from cooking instruction. Tablespoon Cooking Co. strives to make cooking classes accessible to people of all skill levels, including those who rarely cook for themselves.
Beginners and advanced home cooks alike can sign up to learn how to make a variety of delicious dishes, from shrimp paella to pasta Bolognese with fresh noodles. The company also holds mixology classes at their in-house bar for anyone who wants to take their home happy hours to the next level. They even carry a selection of ingredients and equipment used in their classes, making it easy for you to pick up exactly what you need to recreate your lessons at home.
Afromeals
1719 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Want to experience a range of flavors you may never have tasted before? Afromeals is the place to learn how to make the earthy, spicy dishes of African and Caribbean cuisine in your own kitchen.
Run by executive chef Gabi Odebode and her team of prep chefs, this culinary school will teach you how to prepare Afro-Caribbean staples like Jollof rice, Chakalaka, and Jerk chicken. You'll learn more about the ingredients, textures, and flavor profiles that define this type of cuisine and expand your culinary horizons.
La Soupe
915 E. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45206
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If you're like many Americans, you might find yourself throwing out almost as much food as you eat. La Soupe is a non-profit organization on a mission to eliminate food waste from Cincinnati households. As part of this mission, they offer cooking classes to illustrate what you can do with the food you would usually throw away.
Most of the recipes taught in their classes are for soups, stews, and other hearty dishes that can be made with almost any ingredients. These classes are a great fit for people trying to cut down on their grocery spending—and these days, who isn't?
Let's Get Cooking
It's never too late to learn a new recipe or cooking technique. What new dishes will you learn to whip up this year?
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Bundle Up for a Winter Hike Around Northeast Ohio
No matter the season, Northeast Ohio features endless outdoor attractions for you to explore, whether you're in the mood for a quick, scenic hike or a longer journey that will lead you to some of the best views in all of Ohio. If you've only explored local trails during the warmer months, you're sure to love experiencing your favorite natural attractions framed by fresh snow, with quiet in the air and stunning scenery all around you. Ready to bundle up? Here are 8 of the best places for a winter hike around Northeast Ohio.
Rocky River Reservation – All Purpose Trail
Valley Pkwy., North Olmstead, OH 44070
One of the first Metro Parks established in the Cleveland area and still one of the largest, Rocky River Reservation offers sprawling outdoor beauty to explore during every season. If you're feeling adventurous, you can find countless trails that will take you through all of the gorgeous scenery that this park has to offer, from amazing shale cliffs to incredible views of the Rocky River from above. The All Purpose Trail is a great place to start if you're new to this park because it will take you straight to some amazing, elevated views.
Edgewater Park – Upper Edgewater Park Loop
Upper Edgewater Dr., Cleveland, OH 44102
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Featuring 9,000 feet of scenic shorelines along Lake Erie and nearly 150 acres to explore in total, Edgewater Park is an ideal choice when you want to enjoy a winter hike without leaving Cleveland. The Upper Edgewater Park Loop runs mostly along the waterfront, passing by Edgewater Beach, Edgewater Pier, and some lovely public art installations along the way. An icy Lake Erie also provides a beautiful backdrop for your winter nature photography.
North Chagrin Reservation – Squire's Lane Trail
3037 Som Center Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
For a quick, scenic hike with a truly impressive payoff at the end, try a trip along the Squire's Lane Trail at the North Chagrin Reservation. The trail checks in at just under a mile long each way, winding through the woods with a fairly flat, even surface. On a winter hike, you'll often find the forest covered in snow, creating beautiful scenes and providing plenty of peacefulness as you explore this relatively short trail in Willoughby Hills. At the end of the trail, you'll find the stunning Squire's Castle, which was built in the 1890s but looks as if it has been plucked straight from medieval times. It's an especially beautiful sight in the snow, making winter the perfect time to visit.
Munroe Falls Metro Park – Indian Spring Trail
521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls, OH 44262
If you want to experience a variety of habitats and ecosystems on one hike, then the Indian Spring trail at Munroe Falls Metro Park is an ideal destination. This 2.2-mile trail loops around the beautiful Indian Spring, passing through wetlands, ponds, and a stream as you explore. It's a great place to spot some local wildlife, both in the forests and wetlands areas. If you're bringing the kids along for your hike, there are also some fantastic sledding hills located within this park.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Blue Hen Falls Trail
6974 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
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Covering more than 33,000 acres and featuring more than 125 miles of trails winding through vast natural beauty, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers more than enough to keep you exploring for many winters to come. One of the most popular trails in this large park is the Blue Hen Falls Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall that's especially lovely to visit on a snowy hike. The address linked above is to the Boston Mill Visitor Center at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the perfect place to learn about the park, connect with the friendly, knowledgeable staff, and plan your next adventure.
Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park – Quarry Trail
5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
While natural beauty is abundant in Northeast Ohio, there are also some great hikes that challenge your expectations of what a trail can be. The Quarry Trail at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park is one excellent example, traveling through what was once a quarry that helped supply raw materials for many of the region's industrial businesses. The quarry has since been converted into an outstanding park, and a hike here provides an interesting connection to local history to go along with plenty of natural scenery for a winter hike.
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm – Seneca Trail
1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH 44313
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For a taste of nature in the heart of Akron, try a visit to the Seneca Trail at the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm. The trail is more hilly than others on our list and provides some extra challenge, but it's still short enough at 1.5 miles to be a great fit for a winter hike. The trail winds through a pine forest, a beautiful prairie, and a suspension footbridge that offers some fantastic views of the park. There are also two shorter trails within the park if you're looking for more to explore.
Liberty Park – Ledges Trail
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH 44087
At just over a mile long, the Ledges Trail at Liberty Park is an ideal choice when you're in the mood for a quick hike that doesn't compromise on scenery. The icy, snowy scenes on this trail make it a popular choice during the winter, with ice gardens, small waterfalls, and flowing creeks to enjoy along the way. Liberty Park is also pet-friendly if you want to bring your furry friend along on your next winter adventure in Northeast Ohio.
Winter Discoveries
With so many trails to choose from, there are hikes to be enjoyed this winter no matter your experience level and tastes. So what wonders will you discover on Northeast Ohio trails this winter?
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Columbus: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in Italian Village
One of the great things about living in Columbus is that you can find an outstanding meal in every corner of the city, but few neighborhoods pack as many delicious dining destinations into one area as the Italian Village. Whether you're in the mood for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a full day of culinary adventures, there's sure to be a fantastic, local restaurant with your name on it. Feeling hungry yet? Read on to discover nine distinctive destinations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Italian Village neighborhood of Columbus.
Start Your Day with an Outstanding Breakfast
Fox in the Snow
1031 N. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43201
If you're looking for the most popular place to grab breakfast, sweet treats, and a delicious morning coffee, then Fox in the Snow is the place to be. The menu here is short and sweet yet still features something for everyone. Start your day with something healthy like the house-made granola with fresh blueberries, enjoy a gourmet breakfast sandwich, or satisfy your sweet tooth with one of many tempting treats from the bakery. Finish your meal with one of their excellent coffees, lattes, espressos, or teas.
Drunch Eatery + Bar
995 N. 4th St., Columbus, Ohio 43201
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When you're in the mood for something sweet and savory for breakfast, the team at Drunch Eatery + Bar has you covered. In addition to all of the breakfast standards that you know and love, the menu here boasts some items that you won't find at every breakfast spot. The chicken and waffles with cheddar, Tabasco, and maple syrup are one great example. Of course, you can also enjoy a huge selection of frittatas, breakfast bowls, french toast, flatbreads, and more.
Tasi Cafe
680 N. Pearl St. #1518, Columbus, OH 43215
Everything on the menu at Tasi Cafe is prepared with fresh, local ingredients sourced from Ohio farms and crafted with love. This is the place to find elevated takes on your favorite breakfast dishes, from the tempting Challah French Toast to the classic breakfast burrito prepared with only the best whole ingredients. It's the perfect place to visit when you're in the mood to splurge on an extra-nice breakfast, with a great mix of healthy and decadent choices on the menu. Be sure to check out the drinks selection, which includes some outstanding teas from local suppliers.
Pick the Perfect Place to Stop for Lunch
Northstar Cafe
951 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201
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With sandwiches, salads, bowls, brick-oven pizzas, and burritos, Northstar Cafe has something delicious to suit your every mood. This is also a great place for an outing with friends, thanks to the unique menu of creative craft cocktails, international wines, and locally produced craft beers that you can find at the in-house bar. Can't decide between breakfast and lunch? Northstar Cafe also offers brunch every Saturday and Sunday.
Woodhouse Vegan Cafe + Space
851 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43215
One of the great things about the dining scene around Italian Village is that there's something for everyone, including some outstanding options for plant-based meals. Naturally, everything on the menu at this cafe, bar, and bakery is vegan-friendly, but you certainly don't have to be vegan to enjoy the excellent food served here. Settle in for a meal in the beautifully decorated cafe, or pick a sunny day to enjoy a healthy, delicious lunch on the backyard patio.
GoreMade Pizza
936 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
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Pizza is never a bad choice for lunch in the Italian Village neighborhood, and GoreMade Pizza consistently serves up some of the top-rated gourmet pies in all of Columbus. In the past, you may have enjoyed their pizza at local farmer's markets and events. Now GoreMade Pizza has a great brick-and-mortar location, serving up delicious, creative pizzas with a huge selection of fresh toppings sourced from local farms.
Cap Off the Evening with a Delicious Dinner
Budd Dairy Food Hall
1086 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
Can't decide what you want for dinner? That's no problem when you visit Budd Dairy Food Hall, where you can find a meal for every taste and mood. Recently named one of the 10 best new food halls in the country by Fodor's Travel, Budd Dairy Food Hall is the first food hall in Central Ohio and has quickly become a local favorite. Whether you're in the mood for Hawaiian poke, delicious Southern gumbo, or a unique craft cocktail from one of three bars in the food hall, this is a place where you can satisfy nearly every culinary craving.
TownHall
792 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Known for its soups, shareable plates, sandwiches, and fresh, flavorful entrees, TownHall is the perfect choice when you're in the mood for a healthy meal that doesn't sacrifice on deliciousness. The selection of broths and soups is perfect for warming up on a crisp winter evening, while dinner plates like the New Zealand Grass Fed Strip are ideal for recharging after a busy day. Be sure to check out the dessert menu, which features some healthy, flavorful keto-friendly, dairy-free, and vegan desserts.
Hoof Hearted Brewery and Kitchen
850 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43215
Italian Village is also home to some of the best craft breweries that Columbus has to offer, including the popular Hoof Hearted Brewery and Kitchen where you can enjoy a tasty meal paired with a truly unique, bombastic selection of locally produced craft brews. With daily happy hours, a fun, sometimes zany atmosphere, and friendly, personal service, this is an ideal choice when you want to unwind with an outstanding meal at the end of the day.
Find Your Fill in Italian Village
With so many excellent places for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it will take more than one visit to Italian Village to try them all! So, where you will you find your next marvelous meal in this Columbus neighborhood?
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9 Places to Lace Up Your Ice Skates in Ohio
Whether you're a beginner or an expert—or anywhere in between—it's fun to visit one of the many Ohio ice rinks that offer public ice time. Indoor and outdoor rinks are available, and with some, you can also have a snack or cup of hot chocolate to help you warm up and refuel.
Check out the following nine places to lace up your ice skates in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Northeast Ohio.
The Ohio State University Ice Rink
390 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, OH 43210
Skate on the same rink as the hockey Buckeyes at The Ohio State University Ice Rink, located east of St. John Arena and north of Ohio Stadium. The facility has a warming room with vending machines, benches, lockers, and a pro shop where you can buy hockey equipment and skating apparel. Its surface area is 200 feet long and 85 feet long, and it hosts open skating most days. Cost for the general public is $12, discounted to $5 on weekday afternoons, and includes free skate rental with the cost of admission.
OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks - OhioHealth Ice Haus
200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215, plus 4 additional locations
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OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks are conveniently located throughout the area, and you don't need a reservation to hit the ice. Prices start at $8 and up, and depending on the date and time you select, skate rentals are either free or cost $4. Noon skates are popular with families who have young children since the ice is less crowded then. Ice skating and ice hockey lessons are also offered, along with camps and clinics for athletes, and you can also schedule birthday parties at Chiller locations.
Blendon Woods Metro Park
4265 East Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43230
Blendon Woods is part of the Columbus Metro Parks system, and if you'd like to skate on an outdoor rink, it's a great place to go. The pond is about .4 acres in size and is about 18 to 24 inches deep. The park has restrooms but doesn't rent skates, so you'll need to bring your own. While you're there, look out for birds and other wildlife since the park is also home to the 118-acre Walden Waterfowl Refuge and 11-acre Thoreau Lake. You can also look for birds from the park's two elevated observation towers equipped with spotting scopes.
UC Health Ice Rink
38 Fountain Sq Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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UC Health Ice Rink has a unique combination of bumper cars on one side of the rink and skating on the other, with the two sides divided by a barrier. For $15, you can enjoy both sides. If you'd rather attend a skating-only session, you'll pay $10. When you need a break, head to the warming tent, where you'll have a view of the rink. Stop by concessions first and grab a hot or cold drink and snack to enjoy while relaxing in the warming tent.
Sports Plus Cincinnati
10765 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241
You'll have your choice of multiple ice rinks at Sports Plus Cincinnati, which packs countless activities into its over 250,000 square feet of space. It has several ice rinks and is home to Cincinnati's largest adult hockey league as well as its largest youth hockey association and the Figure Skating Club of Cincinnati. Bring the entire family to lace up their skates and come back another day to have fun with other activities like basketball or volleyball.
Ice Skating at Fifty West
7605 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227
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Fifty West has transformed into a winter wonderland destination with its outdoor ice skating rink. It's open daily, and for $10 per person, which includes skate rental, you can skate for an hour. Large, heated tents and small fire pits are available to help you warm up, along with hot chocolate and cider, with the option to add alcohol to either one. You can also head into Fifty West for a burger and brew to refuel after your skating session.
Ice Rink at Summit Park
4335 Glendale Milford Rd., Blue Ash, OH 45242
Take a spin on the ice at Ice Rink at Summit Park, located underneath the park's glass canopy. Skate sessions cost $7, which includes skate rentals. Theme nights and activities add to the fun with a popular Chuck-A-Duck game and on-ice games. And if you're inexperienced on the ice, the rink provides free skating aids to help. To extend your fun when it's snowed, bring a sled and zoom down the sledding hill behind Observation Tower. And when you're done, grab a hot chocolate or a meal from one of the four on-site restaurants.
Mentor Ice Arena
8600 Munson Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
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Mentor Ice Arena is Lake County's only indoor ice skating complex, offering open skating year-round. It has two regulation-size ice rinks, and you'll find a wide range of lessons available to suit a broad range of abilities. Learn-to-skate lessons are offered, along with youth and adult hockey and figure skating. Rates are $9 for adults, $7 for youths under age 18 or seniors age 65 and over, with an additional $4 for skate rentals.
Alice Noble Ice Arena
851 Oldman Rd., Wooster, OH 44691
The Alice Noble Ice Arena offers a 200-feet by 85-feet rink to enjoy, along with bleacher seating or an enclosed warm room when you'd like to take a break. Open skate times—along with accompanying music—are held throughout the week. And if you have a beginning skater in your group, look into the Learn to Skate USA program that they can take part in at the arena. It's the introductory skating program that U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and U.S. Speedskating recommend.
Where the Ice is Nice
Which Ohio ice rinks are you looking forward to visiting?
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Cutler Extends Lifeline to Displaced Realtors
Real estate is a competitive industry, but it is also known for its strong sense of camaraderie. At the end of the day, everyone has the same goal: Superior results for clients. When changing market conditions led to the closure of Corcoran Global Living in Columbus, colleagues at Cutler Real Estate took action.
The changes at Corcoran were sudden and unexpected, affecting more than 100 Realtors as the brand withdrew its franchising agreements in the Buckeye State. The December timing meant affected staff were facing the holidays without their client relationships or a clear path to their career future.
What's more, many former Corcoran Global Living Realtors were in limbo over recent commission pay...
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