DineDrinkCLE: The Podcast

In our 29th episode, Alex Darus is joined by Marc Bonus to discuss tips and tricks for picnicking at Blossom Music Center, Caesar salad's 100th anniversary and how Royal Docks Brewing Co. is innovating and expanding in the brewing space.

In episode 28, Josh Duke and Alex Darus discuss their favorite large-format sharable drinks in Northeast Ohio. Paris Wolfe talks about Boom’s Pizza's new Van Aken District location, and Darus covers the closing of Citizen Pie Roman Cafe's downtown spot. Lastly, Marc Bona shares news about a former Plain Dealer food writer’s cookbook collection being donated to Edwins Second Chance Life Skills Cent...

In our 27th episode, Josh Duke and Alex Darus kick off Independence Day weekend with insights from Darus' recent Barbecue and Grilling Boot Camp at the Loretta Paganini School of Cooking. Marc Bona discusses the rise of non-alcoholic beer, and Peter Chakerian highlights the best places in Cleveland for vegan food following VegFest.

In our 26th episode, Josh Duke and Alex Darus are joined by Peter Chakerian to explore their favorite ice cream shops around town. Then Paris Wolfe joins to talk new and trendy cocktail bars before Marc Bona joins to unpack the Melt Bar & Grilled's bankruptcy situation and the Kelce brother's new Garage Beer business endeavor.

In our 25th episode, Josh Duke and Alex Darus are joined by Paris Wolfe to discuss the latest updates on the West Side Market, including a $20 million city investment for patio dining and more. They also delve into the rebranding of Old Brooklyn Mustards. Lastly, Duke and Darus rave about Cleveland's soul food spots ahead of Juneteenth.

In episode 24, hosts Josh Duke and Alex Darus dive into LGBTQ+-owned restaurants and bars perfect for celebrating Pride Month on the backend of the Pride in the CLE march and festival. Then, Marc Bona joins to tell us about Tricky Tortoise Brewing Company, a brewery with a fun origin story occupying the space of the former Willoughby Brewing in downtown Cleveland. Lastly, Peter Chakerian joins to...

In episode 23, hosts Josh Duke and Alex Darus are joined by Paris Wolfe to discuss a survey indicating servers prefer the current system of base wage plus tips over increased base pay with no tips. Then, Peter Chakerian talks about Pop-Tarts, their ties to Cleveland, and the best flavors. Finally, Alex and Josh share the top spots for dining and drinking with pets in Cleveland.

In our 22nd episode, hosts Josh Duke and Alex Darus take a trip down Swensons memory lane to celebrate the Northeast Ohio classic drive-in's 90th anniversary. Paris Wolfe joins to give us all the juicy details from the Downtown Willoughby Rib Burn Off, where she judged 13 ribs from. Finally, Darus and Duke shares recommendations for Greater Cleveland patios you'll want to check out while the weath...

In our 21st episode, hosts Josh Duke, Alex Darus are joined by Marc Bona to talk Ficarra Cellars, a unique Italian village-winery-wine-shop-restaurant coming to Valley View. Then Paris Wolfe joins to give an update on cleveland.com's 'Spirited Women' NE Ohio distillery trail series. Finally, Duke and Darus get to try out Oat Haus' allergen-free granola butter while chatting about the startup's his...

In our 20th episode, hosts Josh Duke, Alex Darus, joined by Paris Wolfe, discuss changes coming to the West Side Market thanks to non-profit management, highlighting vendor excitement and what customers should anticipate. Marc Bona joins to share the news about Moxie - Brad Friedlander's restaurant which enjoyed a more-than-two-decades run in Beachwood -replacing Aurelia in Chagrin Falls. Lastly,...

In our 19th episode, hosts Josh Duke, Alex Darus, and Paris Wolfe playfully plan their outfits for an upcoming "Goat Derby" event in Cleveland. Later, the trio delves into the tequila versus mezcal debate while sampling crickets from a Mexican restaurant (it doesn't go well for Josh) embracing the spirit of Cinco De Mayo. Adding to the culinary adventure, Peter Chakerian joins to unveil the top ta...

In our 18th episode, hosts Josh Duke, Alex Darus, and Marc Bona unwrap the enticing new menu selections awaiting visitors at Progressive Field and Canal Park this baseball season before giving their first impressions of Astro Restaurant, a new sci-fi dining venture housed in the former Hard Rock Cafe location at Tower City. Peter Chakerian joins to lead the team on a flavorful tour of Cleveland's...

In our 17th episode, Josh Duke, Alex Darus and Marc Bona draw inspiration from Cleveland native NFL star Travis Kelce's visit to Geraci's Slice Shop to ponder where he might one day dine with his superstar girlfriend, Taylor Swift, in Cleveland. Paris Wolfe then unveils the story behind Mr. Brisket, a celebrated butcher shop in Northeast Ohio marking its 50th anniversary. Lastly, Paris shares an e...

In our 16th episode, Josh Duke and Alex Darus are joined by Marc Bona and Peter Chakerian to explore the culinary wonders of a rare event in Cleveland: the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Whether you're seeking recommendations for eclipse watch parties, craving eclipse-themed treats such as Malley's 'Eclipse Ahoy' cookies, or search for celestial beverages crafted by local restaurants and br...

In our 15th episode, Josh Duke and Alex Darus are joined by Molly Walsh, a crime reporter at cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer and Miss Dyngus Day 2023, to explore Dyngus Day traditions in Cleveland. Then, Peter Chakerian joins for a chat about Easter treats, including a passionate debate about Peeps, before Paris Wolfe shares insights on RH Cleveland, The Gallery at Pinecrest—a new high-end rooftop...

In our 14th episode, Josh Duke and Alex Darus, are joined by Marc Bona to unravel the expansion of Hingetown’s Larder Deli into a new store offering used culinary equipment and more. Later, Peter Chakerian hops on board to help us dig into the excitement surrounding the upcoming food truck season before we visit Cleveland’s ultimate condiment showdown: Bertman's Ball Park Mustard vs. Stadium Must...

In our 13th episode, hosts Josh Duke and Alex Darus are joined by Paris Wolfe to talk Irish bars in Cleveland that are perfect for St. Patrick's Day shenanigans before learning a little about what makes Irish whiskey liquid gold. Later, Peter Chakerian joins to help the crew chew on why an Irish deli sandwich is so popular here in Cleveland.

In our 12th episode, hosts Marc Bona (filling in for Josh Duke) and Alex Darus are joined by Paris Wolfe in a conversation about the recent closure of Pearl Street Wine Market & Café due to a staggering rent increase, followed by news of the exciting opening of Cent' Anni, an Italian amaro bar in Little Italy. Later, they're joined by Peter Chakerian to delve into the ‘Best of Cleveland’ team’s se...

In our 10th episode, hosts Josh Duke and Alex Darus are joined by Marc Bona to discuss R. Shea Brewing closings, The Brew Kettle openings and what this might mean for the local craft brewing scene. Then, Paris Wolfe jumps in to shake things up with her top-notch Margarita Day recommendations before Peter Chakerian fires up the grill talk, making the crew drool over BBQ Bril, a mouthwatering fast-c...

In our ninth episode, hosts Josh Duke and Alex Darus have fun exploring the best locally-owned chain restaurants in Northeast Ohio with Marc Bona. Then, the crew dives into the resurgence and trends of speakeasy bars with Paris Wolfe before taste-testing the delights of Express Deli with Peter Chakerian.

In our eighth episode, hosts Josh Duke and Alex Darus, along with Paris Wolfe, explore Paczki Day/Ash Wednesday and Cleveland’s passion for paczki. Marc Bona joins to discuss the beloved fish fry season and recommend a sweet option for Valentines Day while Peter Chakerian stirs up excitement about Polish Boys, one of Cleveland's most iconic eats.

In our seventh episode, hosts Josh Duke and Alex Darus, along with Paris Wolfe, share their top picks for Black-owned restaurants. The excitement continues as they delve into the significance of Chef Vinnie Cimino from Cordelia Restaurant being named a James Beard award semi-finalist. Plus, Marc Bona joins talk about the return of the Brewery Passport program by Destination Cleveland.

Hosts Josh Duke and Alex Darus, joined by Paris Wolfe, discuss the local offerings and impact of Meijer’s new Fairfax Market in the Fairfax neighborhood of Cleveland before getting into Bloody Mary recommendations. Peter Chakerian also joins to get the crew nostalgic with memories of West Side Market classic treats.

In this episode of DineDrinkCLE: The Podcast, hosts Josh Duke and Alex Darus, joined by Marc Bona, delve into health-oriented New Year's trends like "Dry January" and "Veganuary" before taking a trip down memory lane with Peter Chakerian, exploring nostalgic and controversial not-so-healthy treats.