📰 Dave Chappelle chose Ohio over the machine

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: Proof Public House has entered the chat loud, playful, and full of punk-rock flavor 🤘🎸🔥

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

Matt Fish was tired of being ‘The Grilled Cheese Guy.” And yet he missed the passion for food that turned Melt into the area’s most popular eatery.

So he kept returning to the question, ‘What do you do next?’

Starting today, Clevelanders will get the answer when Proof Public House opens in Ohio City.

“I spent months trying different things, ideas, flavors,” said Fish at a preview of the space. “And we ended up hitting on something unique and interesting.”

Start with the décor, which sets the table of his punk-inspired punk-restaurant.

There’s a wall-sized mural of a black-and-white flier for a 1980s hardcore show. The old sign from DIY space Speak in Tongues, which was once open across Lorain Avenue. More show posters and murals by Derek Hess and Jake Kelly, respectively.

Music décor is part of a broader homage to the city. After all, Fish was a musician before becoming a chef and has always been a Cleveland booster.

It also taps some of Fish’s past: Melt lovers will be charmed by the Parmageddon. The beloved and massive grilled-cheese sandwich was once named best ballpark food by USA Today. 

But it’s Proof’s eclectic culinary sensibilities that reflect Fish’s freedom to be unique and interesting – not to mention his own vegetarian inclinations.

Yes, there’s a lot of meat, but also veg/ve/gf options.

The opener, Tofu Wings, and the entrees -- Spring Roll Sandwich and Ramen Risotto -- hit a variety of flavors without being overwrought. The Baked Cheese Salad is a light and delicious option for a lazy summer afternoon.

The drink list is just as playful and thoughtful – with elixirs that pay homage to the classics, Tiki and some of Fish’s favorite bands, like the Dead Boys.

Especially on this secluded patio, which feels like a world away from Lorain.

Dave Chappelle was confronted with a choice: Stay in a Hollywood that was sucking the soul out of him or go back to the place of his childhood.

Boom – back to Ohio.

In 2005, comedy’s ultimate iconoclast ditched a $50 million contract to live in Yellow Springs (20 miles east of Dayton).

Chappelle has described the home of Antioch College as a grounding contrast to fame with “the best neighbors ever.”

He’s invested in its buildings, helped struggling businesses, donated to preservation projects and the local NPR affiliate.

“I figured I should build a lifestyle for myself that I can afford for a while so I could be more adventurous with my career,” says Chappelle.

Ditching the trappings of Hollywood was a declaration of independence that elevated him to legend status. He always thanks Ohio for it.

At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Chappelle hits Rocket Arena. Info.

The Iran War has been declared over 40 times. But there’s another war this week – with Cleveland Federal Reserve President Beth Hammack at the front lines.

The Fed is expected to hold rates steady after its FOMC June meeting on Wednesday – which will put it at odds with President Trump’s demands for easy-money policy.

Hammack has emerged as the Fed’s most vocal inflation hawk and has increased Cleveland’s profile with her warning:  “Inflation is too high and moving higher.”

Consider:

Sticky inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, depleted reserves, seasonal demand… It’s a risky tightrope the Fed with Trump on the other end of it.

MONDAY

Playhouse Square Restoration Tour: Explore Cleveland’s greatest preservation story with this jaunt through several theaters that survived the wrecking ball, boast ghosts and endless drama. 6:30 p.m. Info.

Echo & the Bunnymen: Blending ’60 songcraft with post-punk urgency, the Liverpool quartet scored a series of singles that didn’t penetrate the mainstream, but were hits on MTV and left-of-center radio. This tours brings the ‘hits’ to House of Blues. 7 p.m. Info.

Tuesday

“Manet & Morisot”:  The exhibition focuses on the creative exchange between Édouard Manet — the father of modern painting — and Berthe Morisot, the only female founder of the Impressionist movement. The centerpiece of the museum's 2026 lineup runs through July 5. Info.

Trombone Shorty: New Orleans musician Troy Andrews brings his band Orleans Avenue to Cain Park for a fusion of rock, pop, jazz and funk. 7 p.m. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

Veterans Memorial Bridge was celebrated as a modern marvel when it opened in 1918. After all, it was the largest steel and concrete reinforced bridge in the world.

It’s still admired for its architecture and as a symbol of the city’s glory days. Urbex explorers love the abandoned subway.

On June 27, Clevelanders get to revisit those days when Cuyahoga County hosts a tour of hulking giant and the explore the ‘secret’ subway.

From its opening until 1954, the lower-level hosted Cleveland’s first, and only subway, connecting the west side with downtown. Then came the suburbs and soaring car sales…

But it lives as part of Cleveland History Days – an 11-day series of tours and parties that runs through June 28. Info.

There’s another way, also…

At noon Thursday, Heritage Tourism Program Take a Hike will host a walk-through of the bridge. The event continues on Fridays except July 3 through September. Info.

Cleveland erected this large arch over Superior Avenue for the 1896 centennial of Cleveland's founding. The temporary structure was up less than two months and came down as soon as the celebration ended.

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70 °F 🌡️ 59 °F | ⛅ (Partly Cloudy) | 0% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 11 mph WNW (≈ 10 knots)

73 °F 🌡️ 61 °F | ⛅ (Partly Cloudy) | 20% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 11 mph SW (≈ 10 knots)

74 °F 🌡️ 67 °F | 🌧️➡️⛅ (AM Showers) | 50% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 14 mph SW (≈ 12 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. Brewers, 7:40 PM June 16 (Tuesday)

Away vs. Brewers, 7:40 PM June 17 (Wednesday)

Away vs. Brewers, 2:10 PM June 18 (Thursday)

Away vs. Astros, 8:10 PM June 19 (Friday)

Away vs. Astros, 7:15 PM June 20 (Saturday)

Away vs. Astros, 2:10 PM June 21 (Sunday)

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