Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: Guess who’s back? A critter last seen in the 1800s has been spotted in our county, and it’s raising eyebrows 🦗⏳👀

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There’s a quiet revolution taking place on the plates.

Intimate ethnic gems are outshining nouveau American cuisines, along with the trendy districts and chefs behind them.

Dozens of restaurants opened in 2025. Increasingly, they reflect the faraway flavors of international cuisines that were once after-thoughts in the foodie scene -- from Venezuela to El Salvador, from Georgia to Jordan.

Places like Los Abuelitos, Tiflis, Build the Pho, Quintaesencia.

The trend has been bubbling under the surface for years. Even Doug Katz, whose Fire once set the bar for the first wave in the foodie scene, has gone smaller and more global with Zhug and Amba.

This shift isn’t about immigration.

Covid-19 refocused diners on spots that feel like home and serve comfort food. It’s no surprise the mom-and-pops rebounded first; restaurant chains crashed; and big-box steak houses feel like relics from the 2010s.

“Comfort and value are the twin pillars shaping America’s menus right now,” says the National Restaurant Association in a new report. “Consumers are seeking meals that deliver joy and familiarity without breaking the bank.”

They’re flocking to cozy nooks in converted buildings – looking for eclectic experiences, ethnic cuisines and authenticity.

Read about the most interesting new ethnic spots in the 216 Rundown below.

And sign up for the 216 Insider. We will be releasing our Special Edition Year in Review: Openings, Closings and Dining Trends soon.

There’s crazy and then there’s crazy. Then there’s Browns crazy, which takes it to uncharted peaks.

Since its 1999 return, the team is 144-288-1 with three playoff appearances and… 42 different starting QBs.

Bonkers, yes, but there’s more. And what better time to explore it than on the anniversary of Bottlegate – when a dropped pass and fumble call by refs led to a shower of bottles hurled onto the field.

The game spawned the arc of false hopes and inevitable disasters.

Yes, there’s Deshaun Watson Era a.k.a, the worst trade and contract in NFL history. Before that, there was the rise and fall and revival (elsewhere) of Baker Mayfield.

Also:

Birds, sure. It’s not unusual to encounter 10-20 species that are rare or uncommon in Cuyahoga County.

But a fisher? The Cleveland Metroparks has caught the medium-sized tree-climbing mammal in the weasel family on camera.

While there have been scattered sightings in other parts of northeast Ohio since 2013, this marks the first sighting in the county since the mid-1800s – when they were extirpated from Ohio due to due to unregulated trapping and habitat loss.

"Tremendously exciting," says Metroparks ecologist Jonathon Cepek, highlighting another success story for conservation, similar to the returns of river otters, bobcats, and trumpeter swans.

Turn any backyard, balcony, or living room into an instant island party. TikiTunes is an award-winning Bluetooth speaker that delivers surprisingly big sound with a flickering tiki-torch glow — indoors or outdoors.

Why it stands out:

The faraway flavors of international cuisine were once after-thoughts in the foodie scene. Not anymore….

Batuqui: It recently opened in a beautiful, former church in Larchmer. The Brazilian menu is stellar. Have a Caiporoska or two paired with a Feijoada and a Xim Xim.

Build the Pho: The noodle spot opened two locations this year, in Ohio City and North Olmsted – a sign that Vietnamese cuisine continues to grow in popularity.

Crepe N Drip: There are waffles. There are crepes. Then there are the luxurious, elaborate creations at Crepe N’ Drip – which takes Euro treats on worldly detours — from the Middle East to America. 

Damascus Gate: An array of Middle Eastern cuisine, and the savory Cheese Sambousek is delicious. Bonus: It’s open until 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday midnight Sunday-Thursday.

Georgian Bakery Tiflis: Savory dishes from Georgia that mix meats and vegetables with nuts, cheese and dough.  The eggplant-walnut dish and khachapuri (cheese-filled breads) are some of the tastiest things you’ll find.

Los Abuelitos: A food adventurer’s dream: Sunny décor, homey vibe and authentic takes on Salvadoran cuisine served with generous portions, killer breakfasts and great pupusas.

Luchita’s: The recipes pay tribute to the original Luchita’s. It’s also bold and colorful with decor inspired by Day of the Dead. Delightful all the way around.

Misu: Recently-opened in Coventry, it boasts what might be the widest selection of sushi in the city – along with eclectic selection of teriyaki, noodle bowls, tempura and appetizers

Monsoon Masala: Their inventive takes on masalas, curries and soups, salmon and chili hit the spot – and their Paneer Tikka Pizza is a hit with all types.

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

Sazon Latino: The stand in CentroVilla25 rolls out a wide range of Cuban classics – from croquetas to ropa vieja to a delicious array of empanadas.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

There were 100 craft breweries in the country when Patrick and Daniel Conway founded Great Lakes Brewing Company in an Ohio City brick building in 1986.

Now there are more than 9,000 – and their Christmas Ale is a national fave and central to holiday celebrations for generations of Clevelanders.

At 6 p.m. Tuesday, the Ohio City brewery will celebrate the beer and the season when it hosts Christmas Ale Holiday Party.

It features a four-course meal and beer pairing, brewery tours and a dance party. Info.

Bond Store, 1978. Located on the northwest corner of Euclid and East Ninth, it was a stylish department store and a prime example of Art Moderne architecture. It was demolished in 1978 to make way for the National City Center.

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

36 °F 🌡️ 30 °F | 🌧️ / 🌨️ (mixed rain or snow) | ~60% | 💨 ≈ 10 mph (≈ 9 knots)

34 °F 🌡️ 31 °F | 🌨️ (snow / flurries) | ~60% | 💨 ≈ 12 mph (≈ 10 knots)

37 °F 🌡️ 30 °F | ☁️ / 🌨️ (cloudy, chance snow) | ~60% | 💨 ≈ 10 mph (≈ 9 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Away vs. Bulls, 8:00 PM December 17 (Wednesday)

Home vs. Bulls, 7:30 PM December 19 (Friday)

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