EVE Artistic Director, Bette Lou Higgins, has written a new book for Arcadia Press's American Palate series, "Lost Restaurants of Downtown Cleveland". It is available at Arcadia Press and at Amazon.

We are now looking at doing a sequel to the book! Do you have suggestions/comments/memories about what to include? Remeber to keep your suggestions in the Greater Cleveland area and be sure the restaurant is no longer in existence. Send your ideas to us and we'll keep you posted about the results on our Facebook Group page. Thanks for helping!

Listen to an interview with Ed "Flash" Ferenc of Flashpoint 1490 AM from August 5, 2023 about the upcoming sequel. You can hear just the interview or listen to his entire program.

The reviews are in!

From the "Cleveland Scene": They say to never judge a book by its cover, but to be honest, that’s precisely what I did when a copy of “Lost Restaurants of Downtown Cleveland” landed on my desk. Expecting to find the predictable round-up of dearly departed Cleveland restaurants, accompanied by the same boilerplate descriptions we have read time and again, I was prepared to add the book to my evergrowing stack of review copies.
I cracked the spine more to confirm my assumptions than out of any genuine interest, but within a few short paragraphs I was engrossed. Author Bette Lou Higgins combines a historian’s knack for research with a sociologist’s eye for human behavior to create a captivating portrayal of early Cleveland life. She doesn’t merely describe the food and setting, but rather digs deep into the colorful owners, hosts and maître d'hôtels who drew customers in. Those explorations are joined
by a wider look at life as it existed outside the front door." Read the whole story -- Doug Trattner of "The Cleveland Scene!"

From Cleveland.com: Cleveland’s food scene has a rich history, dating long before “foodie” nibbled its way into our lexicon, before every other restaurant could boast a notable chef serving up the hottest culinary trends.
Bette Lou Higgins has captured those early days in her book, “Lost Restaurants of Downtown Cleveland.” Read the whole story -- Marc Bona from Cleveland.com

Jenna Kahle of "Cleveland State Alumni Association News"

Sandy from The Happy Wanderers of Cleveland said that they "... truly enjoyed the presentation. It brought back memories of these long-ago establishments to many of our members. We also learned some facts that we were not aware of. It was a very pleasurable, knowledgeable, and enlightening presentation that was enjoyed by all." (from September 16, 2024)

Rosemary who took the tour with the Mayfield Hts. Historical Society wrote "You were awesome last night! Everything was so interesting and you made it that way. Thanks so much." (from Octobe 7, 2024)

Lorry from the Mayfield Township Historical Society e-mailed, "Just a brief note to thank you and tell you how much our members enjoyed your ‘Lost Restaurants’ presentation last Wednesday evening. Your enthusiasm about this subject and your whimsical in-character diner persona added the perfect touch to the story of these loved and lost restaurants favorites!" (from Octobe 7, 2024)

Gail at the Kirtland Library e-mailed, "I would think any public library welcome the opportunity for this presentation." (from April, 25, 2024)

Why not take your own trip back in time to experience these eateries from the past. This program is in the kitchen waiting to be served. Reserve a table for your group by sending us an e-mail to make arrangements for your trip back in time. Be sure to check our calendar page to see when a tour might be in your area.This program was sponsored by a generous donation from Mike & Patti Thomin.

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Don't miss the cards and letters from our readers! A big "Thank You" to everyone who sent in their memories to be included in the book. If you didn't get a chance to send any in before, feel free to share your stories and memories with us for our website. We will continue to add them here. In the meantime, enjoy these memories from our readers!

Hear an interview with Kabir Bhatia of WKSU/Ideastream

Hear an interview with Ray Carr of WCSB 89.3FM

Hear an interview with Ed "Flash" Ferenc of 1490 AM WERE

Hear an interview with Lisa Sands of the CLE Foodcast

Watch an interview with Leon Bib on "We The People"/WKYC-TV

Join our Facebook group for the project where you'll be able to see other people's memories. It's sure to make you nostalgic and hungry! If you would like a little music with your dinner, enjoy this concert by pianist, Nicole Pesce. (She presents a new virtual concert/theme every month on her website so you can always have dinner music!)