Calling for entries in ethnic culinary contest

An ethnic culinary contest will highlight the first-ever Heights Culinary Heritage Show on June 24, hosted by Council Gardens, 2501 North Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights. The free, festive gathering for adults in the community is supported by a grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

The contest is open to those aged 62 or older in Cleveland Heights and surrounding communities. Contestants must submit a vegetable or fruit dish (to serve at least six) along with the recipe and an explanation of the dish’s cultural or ethnic significance. The deadline to register as a contestant is April 30. Council Gardens will accept the first 25 registrants, and all must be present at the event on June 24. The first-place winner will receive a cash prize of $300, and prizes will also be awarded to runners-up. A cookbook containing all of the contestants’ recipes and stories will be published after the event.

Judges, from local food and arts venues, include Michael Bloom, artistic director of the Cleveland Play House; Tom Fello of Tommy’s; Doug Katz of Fire Food & Drink; Mark and Ruth Levine of Bistro 185; Steven Pincus of Pincus Bakery; Burt Saltzman of Dave’s Supermarkets; Ricardo Sandoval of Felice and Fat Cats; Alex Schneider of Restaurant Europa; Raj Singh of Taste; and Laura Taxel, journalist and author of Cleveland Ethnic Eats.

Council Gardens is a cluster of garden apartments built on seven acres. It was established in 1963 by the National Council of Jewish Women, Cleveland Section, to offer affordable independent housing for people age 62 and over, and for mobility-impaired adults of any age. It serves a diverse population and currently has a waiting list. Debbie Hoffmann, Council Gardens board chair, said, “Council Gardens is thriving. The buildings have been updated with green technology, the dedicated staff provides a warm, caring environment, and tenants are enjoying an array of life-enrichment opportunities.”

Residents grow organic fruits and vegetables on the property. The summer culinary event on the Council Gardens grounds will be a celebration of summer’s bounty and a cultural exchange. Refreshments and multicultural entertainment will be provided.

For the event, Becky Chesler and Linda Friedman are cochairs. For more information and to register for the contest, call Jackie Feldman at 216-630-7740.

Hyla Winston

Hyla Winston is a freelance communications consultant and is on the board of trustees of Council Gardens.

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Volume 5, Issue 4, Posted 10:41 AM, 04.04.2012