James Beard Blended Burger Project™

On Memorial Day weekend select Cleveland Independents’ members kicked-off the James Beard Foundation Blended Burger Project™

Chefs are challenged to create their best burgers blending 75 percent ground meat (beef, venison, bison, turkey, etc.) with 25 percent cultivated, chopped mushrooms. According to the Mushroom Council, these sustainable burgers are healthier, lower in calorie and cholesterol and juicier than traditional burgers.

Now entering its fourth year, The Blended Burger Project™ runs nationally from May 28 through July 31. Participating restaurants are encouraged to generate votes for their burgers at https://www.jamesbeard.org/blendedburgerproject/vote. (No purchase necessary.)
In the past, the promotion was as much a popularity contest as an effort to promote awareness as the top five chefs earned the opportunity to cook their burgers at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City. This year, however, things have changed.

Pursuant to the public voting, a panel of food experts selected by the James Beard Foundation will determine five winners from the top 20 entries with the most online votes. Experts will determine the top five winners based on (1) most creative use of mushrooms, (2) best flavor profile and (3) presentation. From a public perspective, voters will automatically become eligible to win an all-expenses paid trip for two to the 2018 James Beard Blended Burger event at the James Beard House. The public is encouraged to vote on a daily basis.

Cleveland Independents’ members participating in the 2018 James Beard Blended Burger Project™ are: Alley Cat Oyster Bar, Astoria Café & Market, Chinato, Cowell & Hubbard, Creekside Restaurant, Der Braumeister, L’Albatros Brasserie, Nuevo Mod Mexican-Akron, Nuevo Mod Mexican-Cleveland, One Eleven Bistro, Parallax, Table 45, Thyme2 and Tremont Tap House.
According to trade magazine, Nation’s Restaurant News, more than 50 billion burgers are served in this country each year and are continuing to rise in their popularity. More than 700 restaurants competed in The James Beard Blended Burger Project™ in its first two years.

2018 Polish Constitution Day Celebrations in Cleveland

The Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791 was the first constitution to follow the 1788 ratification of the United States Constitution. May 3 was restored as an official Polish holiday in April 1990, after the fall of communism. It is celebrated in Cleveland with events including a parade and ceremony in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neigh neighborhood and Parma's Polish Village.

On April 29 a parade marched down Fleet Ave. in Slavic Village and ended at the Polish American Cultural Center at 65th and Lansing. See video and photos of the Slavic Village Parade 

After the Parade, a ceremony was held behind the Polish American Cultural Center which included dances, music and youngsters reciting in Polish.  See videos and photos of the event

Then on May 6, a Parade marched through Parma’s Polish Village.  See video and photos of the Parma Parade 

This was followed by a ceremony. 

Don’t miss the Polish recitations by students from the Henryk Sienkiewicz Polish School under the guidance of their principal, Ewa Wiechec.


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Tulips in bloom in the Turkish Cultural Garden

Last fall, volunteers gathered to plant tulip bulbs in the Turkish Garden. Now their efforts have paid off.

Though many think of the Dutch when they discuss tulips, tulips are actually native to Turkey. Tulips are the national flower of the Republic of Turkey with a history going back to its Ottoman roots. Many cultivated varieties of tulips were widely grown in Turkey long before they were brought to Holland from Turkey In the 16th Century.

The time between 1718-1730 is called the "Tulip Era of Turkey". It was under the reign of sultan Ahmed III and tulips became an important style of life within the arts, folklore and the daily life during this peaceful time.

The botanical name for tulips, Tulipa, is derived from the Turkish word "tulbend" or "turban", which the flower resembles. It's considered as the King of Bulbs.

See more of the Tulips in the Turkish Cultural Garden

Icelandair Airline Launch in Cleveland

The International Business Network (IBN) was organized in 2005 by a group of highly experienced international business people with the specific purpose of helping each other and others involved in international business. Its goal is to stimulate economic growth in Northeast Ohio through international business.


On April 25, 2018 the IBN meeting centered on the Icelandair announcement of flights to and from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The new Icelandair flight service from Cleveland to Europe will begin in May and includes a variety of options for stopovers in Iceland.

Photos and videos of the Icelandair event.

Icelandair and IBN representatives

Cleveland American Middle East Organization 48th anniversary

The Cleveland American Middle East Organization (CAMEO) is a nonpartisan, nonsectarian political action organization established in 1970. They celebrated their 48th anniversary at a dinner event at St. Elias Cultural Center.

CAMEO honored Dr. Mansoor Ahmed, Mr. Ali Faraj and Kan Zaman Middle Eastern Restaurant at the event.

Photos and videos of CAMEO's 48th