Dames Dish! Five Reasons to Blog About Your Food Business

By Paris Wolfe
At its most basic, blogging keeps your customers informed and tells others about your business. Sure, you can use other social media to spread the news, but blog posts offer more space than Twitter or Facebook. (Just try to keep each post under 800 words.) And you can go on to promote those blog posts on Twitter and Facebook for a triple play.

Think about a blog as your newspaper. Introducing a new product or menu? Blog the news. Secured a new supplier? Blog why this is important. Have mad skills in the kitchen? Blog your expertise. Don’t just brag, but tell the story around your news.

Here are five reasons to blog:

1) To market or promote your business: The biggest blog benefit is awareness. It makes your business easier to find when someone is searching the internet. And it lets you tell them why they should choose you for their needs.

2) To connect with customers: Regular followers learn about your business and feel part of a community. That secures them as brand loyalists.

3) To build your reputation: The content and quality of your posts enables you to demonstrate your expertise and reaffirm your reputation as an expert in your field.

4) To share your thoughts and opinions: Do you have an opinion on a trending topic – like tipping or the paleo diet – that you really want to share? Blog it. But, blog wisely and avoid politics – or else!

5) To have fun: Share the news! Share some excitement

Dame Paris Wolfe is an award-winning writer, editor, and author of two blogs: The Herb Society of America and Willoughby Outdoor Market. She also is founder and administrator of “NEO Foodies, Ashtabula Wining and Dining,” and a contributor to The News-Herald, Edible Cleveland, Northeast Ohio Boomer, Crain's Cleveland Business, American Iron, and more. Contact her at 440-867-8966, pariswolfe@yahoo.com, Twitter @pariswolfe, Instagram pariswolfe.

Article originally published in Dames Dish! – Cleveland's Les Dames d'Escoffier monthly newsletter. Read more of newsletter here.

Shaffer Links Les Dames

Excerpt from Cleveland.com

By Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer
Follow on Twitter
on January 05, 2015 at 9:25 AM

The year 2015 is starting out just right for several leaders in the local food movement. Attention and honors are being paid to Northeast Ohioans who are growing, preparing and selling foods here. Or just raising the bar.

With Les Dames
Bev Shaffer, the cooking instructor and cookbook author from Seville in Medina County, has been named liason between the Cleveland chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier and its international unit. Shaffer will help plan the wider group's conference Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in Charleston, S.C. Shaffer has written often for The Plain Dealer, now works as chef and recipe developer for Vitamix in Olmsted Falls, and wrote numerous books, including the terrific, "Brownies to Die For."

Dame du Jour: Elaine Cicora

by Maria Isabella

Four thousand, one hundred and eighty-two. That’s exactly how many words Elaine Cicora used to write her profile of Michael Ruhlman, entitled “Soul Kitchen,” which appeared in Scene magazine on February 1, 2006. Those are also the exact same words that won Elaine what is widely regarded as the highest possible honor to be bestowed on a food writer: a James Beard Award for Feature Writing.

“Yes, it was great!” Elaine allows. “After the awards, which were held in a ballroom just off Times Square, there was an amazing party to celebrate. I got a high five from Michael’s pal, Thomas Keller, and a big hug from Michael Symon. To this day, that remains the high point of my career as a writer.”

Growing up, Elaine enjoyed being part of a very close-knit Italian family. “My earliest childhood memory is of my grandma making ravioli and Bolognese sauce for Sunday dinner when I was only four or five.

“My mom was also great in the kitchen,” continues Elaine, “but my father, who was a cook in the Army during WWII, always insisted he was a better cook…although he never actually made any meals to prove it! I wanted to become an awesome cook to please him. And that’s what first sparked my interest in food.”

Over the years, Elaine has traveled extensively and enjoyed myriad memorable meals. But when pressed about when and where she enjoyed the best food, she responds with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and a chuckle, “It was a summer’s evening circa 1976 at a dear friend’s home in Cleveland Heights. We had carryout submarine sandwiches and a bottle of 1965 Lafite Rothschild. Some mind-altering substances were also possibly involved.”

Elaine’s connection to the food industry spans more than 14 years. Twelve years collectively were spent with Scene magazine, mostly as their restaurant critic but also as their arts editor. Two years were spent with Crop Bistro as their Director of Communications. Currently, Elaine is enjoying a slower pace of life as a freelance writer/editor and culinary instructor.

A four-year member of LDEI, Elaine was initially recruited by fellow Dames. What does she enjoy most about being a member? “The fellowship,” she responds instantly.

Learn more about Elaine as she shares some fun and interesting insights about herself.

What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten? Pigs’ tails. They were delicious but boney.

Which one chef would you want to invite over for dinner and what would you serve? I think it would be fun to break bread with the hugely intelligent Tony Bourdain. Man, can he turn a phrase! Maybe I would make chili and a cherry pie.

What is your favorite cookbook? A 1947 copy of Woman’sHome Companion Cook Book that was my mother’s. All the homiest dishes from my childhood—soups, stews, pies, cakes—are in there, along with plenty of homemaking advice, including the ever-important guidelines on how to throw a dinner party if you no longer employ servants.

What’s your favorite comfort food? Pasta in any shape, size, or sauce.

Any favorite indulgences? A chocolate malt from Rosati’s custard stand in Northfield Center. Thank God they close for the winter or I would be twice my size!

What’s your favorite snack? I’m not much of a snacker, although a bit of gorgonzola is always welcome.

What’s your favorite dessert to prepare? I bake a mean fruit pie, including a lard-based crust from scratch.

What’s the biggest cooking mistake you’ve ever made? Trying to please a four-year-old.

What’s one ingredient you can’t live without? EVOO.

Name 3 things that are always in your refrigerator. Plain fat-free yogurt, skim milk, and Gennie Cream Ale.

Dame du Jour: Marilou Suszko

By Maria Isabella

What highly successful, veteran magazine editor in her right mind would leave it all behind for a budding new career in the food arts? Marilou Suszko, that’s who.

“Fat paychecks are very nice,” she says, “but loving what you’re doing more than makes up for what doesn’t appear in your bank account.”

After working for more than 25 years for a variety of magazines in the restaurant industry with both the venerable Harcourt Brace Jovanovich and Advanstar Communications, Marilou decided to strike it out on her own — first as a journalist and food writer, then as a culinary instructor and, eventually, author.

It seems Marilou has come full circle to her earliest love: food and family.

“Family gatherings always revolved around food and drink,” explains Marilou. “I had lard-and-butter–using grandmothers who knew how to feed a crowd. In fact, the one food that always reminds me of home is good old-fashioned meatloaf.”

Marilou doesn’t even hesitate when asked who has influenced her love of food the most. “Every single person who introduces me to a new ingredient, flavor, food, or recipe is a significant influence,” she beams.

That influence is most clearly evident in the people Marilou has come to know and respect during her writing of three popular books:  Farms and Foods of Ohio,  The Locavore’s Kitchen, and her latest (co-written with  pal, Laura Taxel), Cleveland’s West Side Market: 100 Years and Still Cooking, which is, not surprisingly, her biggest professional pride to-date.

“I would like to think that at some point [Cleveland’s West Side Market] will be looked at as the definitive reference for the first 100 years,” reflects Marilou.

When not traveling, Marilou loves to entertain either around her dining room table or in her backyard. “We set up a ton of tables and invite just as many people. I love the buzz and seeing the tables full of friends,” she says.

Marilou is a charter member of LDEI and has served in just about every capacity since the Cleveland chapter formed.

As for what she enjoys most about being a member? “Certainly my fellow members,” she admits readily. “The diversity is inspiring.”

Learn more about Marilou as she shares some fun and interesting insights about herself.

What is your favorite cookbook? I’m really loving Yotam Ottolenghi’s Plenty right now. But my go-to book and the one that I give all the young people just starting out in life is Mark Bittman’s  How to Cook Everything. I look at that as the new-age Betty Crocker or BHG.

What is your favorite food blog? I like to read Russ Parsons (of the LA Times) plus any other food blog that catches my eye.

What’s your favorite comfort food? Poached eggs in tomato sauce and a ton of cookies.

Any favorite indulgences? Cookies and red wine.

What’s one ingredient you can’t live without? Salt.

What’s the biggest cooking mistake you’ve ever made? Like, a million. But how else could you possibly learn? As a young bride, I made my first corned beef by throwing the cryovacked brisket (still in the plastic) into the water and boiled it to a gray finish. I was thick in the boil-in-a-bag era. The price tag floated to the top of the water.

Name 3 things that are always in your refrigerator. Homemade yogurt, yeast, and maple syrup.


Name 3 gadgets you can’t live without. My immersion blender, KitchenAid mixer, and set of knives.

What would people be surprised to find in your kitchen? I always have a ton of pomegranate seeds stashed in the freezer. Can’t get enough of them.

What is the one thing you like best about your kitchen? I have five windows that look out into the yard…and when it snows, it feels like being inside a snow globe. Stand in my kitchen and you can see the seasons change, the redbuds fill the room with pink, the sun shine in, and even the rain soak the yard.

Dishing with Dames at The West Side Market

By Shara Bohach

Sold Out! Our 2013 Fundraiser, Dishing with Dames at The West Side Market was a great success. Over 140 gathered at Market Garden Brewery last night to hear stories of obstacles, inspirations and long, long, long days of work as told by lady vendors from this historic Cleveland landmark. We heard from Irene Dever, founder of Irene Dever Dairy (a stand that has been in operation for over 35 years), Judy Khouri of Judy’s Oasis, and Emma Beno of The Pork Chop Shop. We heard the story of a lady vendor who took a break to get married, paraded around the market in a pickle cart as a "reception", and then got promptly back to work! This lively discussion was moderated by Dame Marilou Suszko and Laura Taxel, authors of Cleveland's West Side Market: 100 Years and Still Cooking. The authors signed copies of their book for guests after the presentation.

Guests enjoyed small dishes featuring prepared foods and artisan products from women-owned stands at the Market. These included Beer Brat Sliders (The Pork Chop Shop), Deviled Eggs (Irene Dever Dairy), Hummus, Baba Ghannouj, and Pita (Judy’s Oasis), Mozzarella Skewers and Roasted Asparagus Salad (The Basketeria, and The Olive & The Grape), Pizza Bagels and Craft Italian Ices (Frickaccio’s Pizza Market), Assorted Cannoli (Theresa’s Bakery), and Cupcake Truffles and Popcorn (Campbell's Sweets Factory). And we cannot forget the "Shrub!" Each guest was treated to a rum cocktail created specially for the event: Dames’ Portside Rum Shrub Cocktail with Aged White Balsamic Vinegar from The Olive & The Grape.

Some fantastic prizes were raffled off to lucky winners, including restaurant gift certificates, books, baskets of culinary delights, tours and classes. All were donated by our generous members and friends. Brewer Jennifer Hermann conducted tours of the Market Garden Brew House for those interested.

The numbers are still coming in, but the fundraiser generated terrific funds which will be granted via our Green Tables initiative later this summer. Thank you to all who came, and especially those who donated their time, sponsorship, and raffle prizes.

See many more photos from the evening on our facebook page.

Year-End Meeting at La Campagna

By Shara Bohach


At our year-end meeting, we were treated to a discussion and book signing of Maria Isabella's new book, "In the Kitchen with Cleveland's Favorite Chefs" over a wonderful dinner at Carmella Fragassi's La Campagna in Westlake. After our brief business meeting, we had a lively discussion on topics from book publishing, to Dames helping Dames, to corrections officering (sorry, if you weren't there, you'll have to ask someone who was!) There was also a surprise mini-bridal-shower thrown for me (Shara) - which was such a touching surprise (thank you!

More photos from the evening can be seen on our facebook page...

Dame du Jour: Cynthia Eakin

by Maria Isabella, Interview by Joan Pistone

No wonder Cynthia is so good at what she does. She brings a lifelong love of food and a sincere appreciation for hard work to her job (quite frankly, one that all foodies would envy) as a successful and widely respected newspaper staff writer and dining and entertainment columnist.

“The hospitality industry has always been a part of my life,” says Cynthia. “When my great-grandfather arrived in this country, he opened a tavern to support his family. My grandparents and parents were also restaurateurs.”

She goes on to add, “I grew up with the greatest respect for people in the restaurant business.  I think one of the reasons so many restaurants fail is because people open them with the idea that, ‘I like to cook and I like people,’ thinking that qualifies them for success. They don’t realize how hard they will have to work and the long hours they will have to endure…My parents finally retired ten years ago when they were 75.”

What was it like growing up with restaurateur parents? “My sister and I were both raised in my parents’ restaurant,” she explains. “I worked every New Year’s Eve and Mother’s Day until I married and moved to Cleveland from Western Pennsylvania. On Friday evenings, when dinner business slowed down a bit, my parents would have me join them for a late meal. My father said I could order anything on the menu, but it had to be seafood and it had to be different each week…I have yet to sample a clam chowder that is as good as theirs!”

Armed with a freshly minted degree in journalism/news from Kent State University, her first job as a journalist had her writing about a wide variety of topics. “Strangely enough,” she admits with a smile, “my favorite subject has always been food.”

Now that both her children are grown, Cynthia and her husband combine recreation and entertainment as boaters. “Every Sunday, we extend an invitation for friends to join us at our dock for a cookout. Sometimes, 20 or 30 friends and fellow boaters show up. We fire up a couple of Weber grills, and everyone brings something to share. We always have way too much food, but somehow it all seems to disappear by the end of the evening.”

Curious minds want to know, as a restaurant writer, which is Cynthia’s favorite restaurant. “I am often asked this question. I always reply that I have many favorites, depending on my mood and what food I crave. Some sort of fresh seafood is always at the top of list of foods to order,” she reveals.

As for how she learned of LDEI, Cynthia explains, “I had the honor of being invited to an LDEI meeting half a dozen years ago by a fellow Cleveland chapter member. I am truly in awe of the talent and intelligence of the women in this group.”

Learn more about Cynthia as she shares some fun and interesting insights about herself.

Who influenced your love of food the most?
Several times each summer, my grandfather would host a lamb roast for family and friends. The men would spend the day roasting a whole lamb on a spit while enjoying cold beverages, and everyone invited would contribute a favorite dish. I wanted to continue that family tradition for my own children. Several years ago, I purchased a La Caja China roasting box. Each summer, my husband and I host a lamb or pig roast for 60 to 70 of our closest friends and family.

Of all the places you’ve traveled, where did you have the best food?
Describe it. One of the most memorable meals I have ever had was in Jamaica. I was invited to fly there for lunch with a number of other writers. We were shuttled from the airport to a tiny, private island off the coast of Montego Bay, where we enjoyed a meal of fresh Amberjack, beans and rice, lobster pizza and, of course, delicious jerk chicken.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten?
Probably Japanese Fugu (or blowfish).

What’s your favorite comfort food?
My mother’s meatloaf. I love it hot or cold. I also enjoy some of the ethnic dishes, like stuffed cabbage and apple strudel, that my grandmother prepared when I was growing up. Cold turkey dressing and potato salad are dangerous because I can’t pass by the refrigerator without a forkful if I know those items are in there.

What’s your favorite snack?
Planters Heat Hot Spicy Peanuts (the chipotle seasoned ones). I’m addicted to them.

Do have a signature dish?
I don’t have a signature dish. I love to cook all types of food. My son has always loved stuffed grape leaves. So, I learned to make them from a recipe I got from the Greek Church of the Annunciation. I make them whenever he’s in town from Chicago. My son also loves to cook. When he was young, we made Sunday dinner together. It could be anything he wanted as long as he helped shop for the ingredients and prepare the meal. My daughter, on the other hand, has always loved to bake. She tells me that she is that strange person in the office who arrives at work carrying boxes of cupcakes that she has baked for the other employees. I am proud to say that I’ve raised a couple of fine foodies.

What’s your go-to, quick-and-easy dinner?
Caesar salad or Greek salad with feta cheese and grilled salmon.

What’s your favorite dessert to prepare?
My favorite desserts are pies and cobblers. (I’m not much of a chocolate lover.) My mother baked four fresh pies every morning for their restaurant. I make a great strawberry/rhubarb crisp with rhubarb that we grow in our own garden. Concord grape pie is also another favorite and an autumn tradition. It can be time-consuming because you have to separate the grape pulp from the seeds and the skin. Consequently, my husband has always called it my “swearing” pie. He disappears until it goes into the oven.

What’s one ingredient you can’t live without?
The one core ingredient I always have on hand is fresh garlic. My sister and I get together in late summer to can hot peppers in oil and spicy dill pickles. So, you will always find those in my refrigerator, too, along with goat cheese for snacking. I also love Heinz spicy brown mustard. I guess I like fiery foods. My husband loves Orlando Seed’licious bread, so that is always in the refrigerator as well.

Name 3 kitchen gadgets you can’t live without.
A Calphalon skillet; a good, sharp knife; and my KitchenAid mixer.

Cleveland Dames About Town

Lots of food related activities this past weekend! Here are a few photos of Dames about town.

Dame Elaine Cicora was one of three judges (including Kenny Crumpton from Fox 8 and Joe Crea from the Plain Dealer) judging the Maker's Mark Challenge at the fourth annual Chef Jam at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on June 10, 2012. Sampling nine dishes, both savory and sweet, they chose Momocho as the winner.


Dames Linda Fletcher and Shara Foldi visited with Karl Wente, Fifth Generation Winemaker from Wente Vineyards, and big supporter of Les Dames d'Escoffier. Karl was in town for an achievement award and stopped in at Akron's West Point Market for a wine tasting and bottle signing on June 10, 2012. They enjoyed tasting two whites and two reds, including the estate's limited production showcase wine The Nth Degree.

Dame du Jour: Bev Shaffer

by Maria Isabella, Interview by Jennifer Brush

Bev Shaffer, the current president of the Cleveland chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, has it rough. She gets to develop recipes and play with world-class blenders all day long, and then go home and enjoy a glass of wine all night long while working on her next cookbook (her sixth!)…which is all about chocolate.

“Each year is a new adventure for me,” says Bev, who brings 20+ years’ experience to her role as a chef and recipe development specialist for Vitamix at their world headquarters. “I love the fact that I can enjoy my job and life each and every day.”

As an afterthought, she also confesses that she particularly loves the diversity of food as well, which probably stemmed from when she was young. “I still remember picking up Italian bread still warm from the bakery to go with our pot of Hungarian soup with homemade noodles simmering at home,” reminisces Bev. “Then after dinner, my dad would take me to get a coffee ice cream cone with chocolate jimmies. The best!”

She says her mom and aunts influenced her love of food the most, which carries over into the way she entertains today, be it a casual brunch for four or an outdoor dinner for a crowd.

When asked what advice she would give someone just starting out in a culinary career, she offers, “Explore, develop a spectacular work ethic, don’t be too sensitive, and don’t expect your own TV show after just one year of working as a chef. It’s not all about the recognition.”

Bev first heard about LDEI from Julia Child and has been a member since the inception of the Cleveland chapter.  What does she enjoy most about being a member? “The diversity of our members,” she answers without a moment’s hesitation.

Learn more about Bev as she shares some fun and interesting insights about herself.

Of all the places you’ve traveled, where did you have the best food? It’s a toss-up between barbecued stingray in Singapore at a food stand and baked bread fresh from a cave oven that a chef showed me how to make in Kenya, Africa.

What’s your favorite restaurant and what do you usually order there? There are so many great ones, it’s difficult to single out just one…but right up there is Flying Fig and Fahrenheit. I love their apps!

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten? Zebra.

What’s your favorite comfort food? Twizzlers!

Any favorite indulgences? Whole fruit margaritas with homemade guac and salsa.

What’s your favorite snack? Roasted red pepper hummus.

What’s your go-to, quick-and-easy dinner? Salmon marinated in soy sauce and a unique honey, pan seared and finished in the oven, served with a very large salad.

What’s one ingredient you can’t live without? Chocolate.

Name 3 things that are always in your refrigerator. Organic Valley unsalted butter (an homage to Julia), avocado, and sparkling water.

Name 3 gadgets you can’t live without. Vitamix blender, microplane, and a very sharp paring knife.

Cleveland Dames Making News!

Bev Shaffer makes the cover of Ohio Magazine!
Check out the JUST DESSERTS cover story in the February 2012 issue of Ohio Magazine. Chef Bev Shaffer shares her passion for all things chocolate. Find additional content online.

Candice Berthold supports Go Red for Women in February
Most of us associate February and the color red with Valentine's Day. However February has another important distinction: February is American Heart Month.

"Being a heart attack survivor, I am a big supporter of heart health education, and especially awareness of heart health and heart issues regarding women. To help promote more awareness, I wear red every day in the month of February. I also support the Go Red for Women program and their local events." To learn more visit, www.goredforwomen.org.  "I was very proud to be able to donate packets of seasonings (with recipe) and olive oil for the women who attend the Go Red event in Cleveland, February 17 and in Lake County, February 24."

Gloria Cipri Kemer in Cleveland Business Connects magazine
Gloria, Owner of Emerald Necklace Inn, now in it's 12th year, was named a Leading Female Entrepreneur in Cleveland Business Connects Nov/Dec 2011 issue. The article spotlighted 10 local ladies Leading the Way and setting a positive example for business owners across Northeast Ohio.

Bev Shaffer in Ohio Magazine!

Bev Shaffer and her chocolate desserts are featured in the February issue of Ohio Magazine! Enjoy!