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Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: You’re not imagining it—groceries are getting ridiculous 🛒💸📈

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Nouveau bistros, name chefs and hot districts grab headlines and salivate the tastebuds of trend-chasers.

But it’s faraway flavors of international cuisine that provide the most unique eateries in the foodie scene.

Many come via the exciting growth of Central and South American restaurants.

The test kitchens of these spots were home – where would-be chefs learned alongside mothers and grandmothers.

Brazil native Carla Batista cooked alongside her mother when she was 12, long before she opened Batuqui a decade ago.

Mariela Paz learned recipes in Honduras and gave her homeland flavors life – with her mom cooking alongside her – at the charming Sabor Miami.

Katherine Nuñez dreamed of opening a restaurant growing up in Venezuela. She got her chance a year ago with her delightful Quintaesencia.

It’s these organic dreams that make a foodie scene special -- with welcoming, warm places that serve generous portions and never leave you feeling cheated.

To honor Hispanic Heritage Month, catch our Guide to Can’t-Miss Central and South American Restaurants – down below in The 216 Rundown below.

The Fidelity brought new life to a forgotten downtown area when it opened on East Sixth Street. The boutique hotel is a walk into Cleveland’s glorious past with its striking mix of Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern design and Beaux Arts flair.

Well, the present and future look good, also.

Less than nine months after opening, the Fidelity is the first hotel in Ohio and one of 317 in the U.S. to receive a Michelin Key award.

Says Michelin: “This 97-room newcomer channels Cleveland’s past with fresh intent. Inside, the design is rich, tactile, and confidently nostalgic. Downstairs, the Club Room brings it together: strong drinks, low lighting, and a setting that feels just right.”

You don’t have to stay there to get a taste of the grandeur.

The Club Room looks like a classic gem, with its sophisticated hues, streamlined layout and Mid-Century Modern design – to go with exceptional cocktails and imaginative entrees, and nice Happy Hour.

Home and rent prices are lower here than around the country. So is the average salary – which makes stubbornly-high food prices tougher on Clevelanders.

A new WalletHub study finds that Clevelanders spend the second-most money on groceries in the U.S. as a percentage of their income, at nearly 3.77%.

The reason? Cleveland has the lowest median household income in the country, at $39,187 per year.

Detroiters top the list, spending 3.78% of their household income on groceries. Toledo comes in fifth and Cincinnati is eighth.

The study looked at prices of 26 grocery items in the 100^th biggest cities. It finds that Clevelanders pay more for shortening, soft drinks and bananas -- and less for whole milk, chicken, coffee and corn flakes. 

Los Abuelitos: A food adventurer’s dream: Sunny décor, a homey vibe and an authentic take on Salvadoran cuisine served with generous portions. Stellar pupusas, creative uses of yuca.

Sabor Miami: The enchanting cafe doubles as an art gallery -- with lively works and a sunny menu by Honduras native Mariela Paz. The Cuban sandwich and Tropichop plates are delicious. That Cuban coffee, mmm.

Pupuseria Katarina: Some of the best pupusas in the States. The hearty delights pair well with guitar music, folk art and vivid murals of El Salvador’s magic mountains on the walls.

Las Villas Deli & Pastries: Charming spot loaded with Latin staples – everything from mofongo relleno to tostones to fried chicken and roasted pork plates. Great frituras, from empanadillas to Puerto Rican fritters.

El Arepazo: The cozy nook known for its Columbian and Salvadorian cuisine rolls out wide offerings of arepas, pupusas, empanadas and De La Casa entrees with generous portions.

Batuqui: This bistro-bar boasts an easy-going Brazilian vibe and a menu that is delicious from top to bottom. Enough talk. Two Caiporoskas, a Feijoada and a Xim Xim for the table, please.

Rincon Criollo: Mofongo time! The cozy RC is the go-to spot for this and other Puerto Rican staples. Check out the el famoso jibarito – a massive sandwich that boasts a protein, cheese, lettuce and tomato between fried, flattened plantains.

Barroco: The arepas are the draw, but it does more than bring Venezuelan and Columbian treats to Cleveland. It even makes ice cream seem warm with its merengada.

El Rinconcito Chapin: The menu is stellar and rolls out eclectic offerings and flavors from Guatemala. The Pepian Chicken plate is delightful. Ditto for the Chapin Sampler, the tacos and the taquitos.

Quintaesencia: It mixes Venezuelan dishes like cachapa con queso (cornbread and cheese) with personal takes on South American and Spanish cuisine – from seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes to papas bravas, patacon and crema catalana.

Empanadas Latin Street Food: The cheery Puerto Rican spot boasts a wide-ranging menu that includes breakfast, sweet, veggie and seafood empanadas to go with Latin sodas and rice, beans and plantain sides.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

Adam Sandler: His You’re My Best Friend brings stand-up, music comedy and surprise guests to Rocket Arena. 7:30 tonight. Info.

Heavy Metal Halloween: DJ Cousin Bobby spins horror-inspired metal. Scary movies play.  Halloween cocktails flow. 8 tonight at No Class. Info.

Jesse DeNatale: The California singer-songwriter and recording artist for Cleveland’s Blue Arrow records brings his evocative, poetic songs to Treelawn Social Club. 7 p.m. Tuesday. Info.

Hell’s Kitchen: The musical inspired by Alicia Keys -- about 17-year-old aspiring entertainer – takes the stage at State Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Info.

The demolition of the iconic Public Square Cuyahoga and Williamson buildings in 1982 — to make way for the Sohio Building, which opened in 1985. It would be renamed the BP America Building and is now known as 200 Public Square.

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @scoopcle on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

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Home vs. Pistons, 7 PM October 14 (Tuesday)

Home vs. Miami Dolphins, 1 PM October 19 (Sunday)

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