Dominic Fonte Blog
Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2026 | 3 Posts
- 2025 | 4 Posts
- 2024 | 23 Posts
- 2023 | 14 Posts
- 2022 | 76 Posts
- 2021 | 78 Posts
- 2020 | 64 Posts
- 2019 | 91 Posts
- 2018 | 93 Posts
- 2017 | 107 Posts
9
Gluten-Free? 8 Places for Lunch Around Northeast Ohio
Dining options are limited when you can't eat an ingredient that's present in virtually everything. Whether you're just mildly gluten-sensitive or have a more serious allergic reaction, navigating the dining establishments in your area can be tricky—especially when you've just moved to a new neighborhood. Don't worry, though. If you're looking for a good place to have lunch in Northeast Ohio with safe, gluten-free menu options, here are nine of our favorites.
Mia Bella Restaurant
12200 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106
If you're craving Italian, Mia Bella is where you want to go. Not only is their food delicious, with a Mediterranean flair, but all of their pizza and pasta menu items have gluten-free options. Try the lobster ravioli with spinach, truffle oil, and tomato cream sauce. Or have some gnocchi with roasted garlic and kalamata olives, or pizzas like pepperoni and basil, prosciutto and arugula, and more. If you're going for lunch, be sure to go on Saturday, as they open at noon. But whenever you go, you're sure to have a great meal.
Ms. Julie's Kitchen
1809 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44301
View this post on Instagram
Ms. Julie's, in Akron, takes pride in their healthy and ethical menu options. The entire menu is vegan, and plenty of gluten-free options are also available. Try their Sloppy Mac—a cross between mac and cheese and sloppy joe, with dairy-free cheese and brown rice pasta. Many of their ordinarily glutenous dishes have gluten-free options as well, including brown rice flour donuts and gluten-free carrot cake with cashew icing. Ms. Julie's has all your favorite comfort foods, made healthy, ethically, and guilt-free. While the restaurant is temporarily closed for renovations, Ms. Julie's should be back in business later this month.
Gregory's Family Restaurant
2835 Whipple Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44708
First opened in 1983, Gregory's provides Canton with fresh and delicious food with friendly, knowledgeable service. Plus, they have an entire, extensive menu for their gluten-free patrons. That includes burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches with gluten-free bread, waffles and pancakes with gluten-free flour, and more—plus soups, salads, omelets, and other options that are always gluten-free and always delicious. They even have a gluten-free fryer for their french fries to prevent cross-contamination. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gregory's is a great place for a worry-free breakfast or lunch.
Chameleon Cafe Akron
23 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
View this post on Instagram
This locally owned lunch spot has a variety of sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, and more—all with gluten-free substitutes available upon request. Try their Cuban Quesadilla, with pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard in a gluten-free tortilla. Or their BBQ chicken panini with gluten-free bread. And be sure to check out their array of grilled cheeses, like jalapeno popper, cilantro lime, and bacon pickle. They also serve a wide array of coffees, teas, energy drinks, and more. Open until 4 p.m., it's a perfect spot to grab lunch in Akron.
Taza - A Lebanese Grill
1400 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
While many of the locations on this list offer gluten-free substitutes, Taza simply has a wide range of menu options that aren't bread-based, making them gluten-free naturally. The shish lamb specialty salad has tomatoes, olives, and feta, with lemon herb vinaigrette or tahini dressing. The mixed grill has a selection of beef, lamb, and chicken. They also have kabobs, kaftas, and other options, many of them served with rice rather than a glutenous side. Be sure to confirm with the staff which items are gluten-free before ordering, but your lunch options here are pretty wide.
Bam! Healthy Cuisine
2185 E. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720
View this post on Instagram
Dedicated to making food that's both healthy and flavorful, Bam! makes it a point to accommodate a variety of dietary needs and restrictions, including those with gluten issues. If you're looking for a great lunch, try one of their amazing salads, like goat cheese and almond, or hot and spicy pecan. You can order in advance for pickup or delivery or just go in and let them know your dietary needs. They're always happy to help you find something safe and healthy that you'll love.
Pete's Restaurant
4223 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH 44708
If you're looking for simple and delicious casual dining, Pete's Family Restaurant in Canton is a great option. Their gluten-free options aren't labeled on the menu, but ask your server, and they'll help you find something you'll love. Customers rave about their gluten-free pasta dishes, from spaghetti marinara to chicken alfredo, rotini, and more. And they prepare their gluten-free items separately from the rest of their menu to avoid cross-contamination.
Astoria Cafe & Market
5417 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102
View this post on Instagram
This Mediterranean eatery features a wide variety of gluten-free offerings on its menu, all clearly labeled as such. Try one of their charcuterie boards, with various cheeses, fruits, honey, and roasted nuts. If you want something more substantial, go for the chicken avgolemono, poached with dill, parsley, lemon, and golden rice. Or try the Tuscan kale salad with pickled red onions, cherry tomatoes, and garlic-herb breadcrumbs, which can be made gluten-free upon request. Some of their menu offerings come with crackers, for which they also have gluten-free substitutes. Overall, Astoria Cafe is very accommodating to its gluten-free patrons and eager to help you find a lunch dish you'll love.
Let's Do Lunch!
Which delicious, gluten-free menu options do you want to try?
2
8 Family Events to Get in the Holiday Spirit Around Ohio
The holiday season is fast approaching, and now is the perfect time to start planning for some enchanting family fun. With events like the Christmas Connection in Northeast Ohio, A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage in Columbus, A 19th Century Holiday Guided Tour near Cincinnati, and many more, you have tons of great options no matter which corner of Ohio you call home. Here are some events to look forward to as you plan for the holidays in Ohio.
A Motown Christmas
605 N. Market Ave., Canton, OH 44702
Featuring former members of The Temptations, The Miracles, and The Contours, A Motown Christmas puts a soulful spin on your favorite classic holiday tunes. This family-friendly performance will be held on November 17, 2022, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. at the gorgeous Canton Palace Theater, and is sure to have you dancing in the aisles. Bring the whole family for a memorable night of music, choreography, and fun surprises to kick off the holiday season in style.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
View this post on Instagram
Settle in for an evening of holiday music, spectacular acrobatics, and unforgettable performances when you attend Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Edwin J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall on the University of Akron campus. Featuring performers from around the world, a spectacular stage set, and an original score mixed with holiday classics, this show is sure to dazzle audience members of all ages. The show kicks off on December 6, 2022, at 7:30 p.m., with 20 unique acts leading you through an evening of holiday wonder, whimsy, and delight.
Holiday Cookie Camp with the Kids
250 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
Enjoy sweet, holiday-themed fun for the whole family when you attend Holiday Cookie Camp with the Kids at Mitchell Hall on the Columbus State Community College Campus. Learn how to dazzlingly decorate holiday treats from chocolate-dipped pretzel rods to sweet sugar cookies, then finish off the event by sampling some of your creations paired with a delicious mug of hot chocolate. The fun starts on December 10, 2022, at 11 a.m., with instruction from chef Shawnie Kelley.
Christmas Connection
1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland, OH 44135
View this post on Instagram
Get a head start on your holiday shopping while enjoying plenty of attractions and activities for younger family members when you visit the Christmas Connection in Cleveland. The event will take place November 18-20, 2022, at the International Exposition Center, with hundreds of vendors selling gifts for even the hardest to shop for people on your list. The kids will love visiting Santa Land, where they can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. There's even a Sugar Plum Shoppe featuring thousands of pre-wrapped, affordable items perfect for kids with their own shopping lists.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage
34 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Turn back the clock and enjoy a true holiday classic for all ages with A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage at the Palace Theater in Columbus. This new touring show brings A Charlie Brown Christmas to the theater stage with all of your favorite characters and songs. The show starts at 6 p.m. on November 27, 2022, the perfect family activity to wrap up Thanksgiving weekend this year.
Easton's Grand Illumination
160 Easton Town Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43219
View this post on Instagram
Get ready for a night of dazzling lights, shopping, entertainment, and family fun with Easton's Grand Illumination at the Easton Town Center. There will be live music, costumed characters, holiday decorations, and plenty of fun activities for the youngest members of the family. The evening is highlighted by the Grand Illumination at 7 p.m. when more than 2 million lights will be turned on simultaneously to light up Easton Town Center. Easton's Grand Illumination will take place on November 18, 2022, from 6-9 p.m.
The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays
650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Prepare to be amazed by incredible illusions and marvelous magic for the whole family with The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays at the Aronoff Center for the Arts in Cincinnati. This fun, fast-paced show has delighted audiences around the globe, featuring some of the world's most talented illusionists and magicians. The show starts at 7:30 PM on November 25, 2022, ideal for an evening of family fun after a day of Black Friday shopping.
A 19th Century Holiday Guided Tour
11500 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241
View this post on Instagram
The Heritage Village Museum is a living history museum that will transport your family to a different era, and the holiday season is an excellent time to visit. The museum will host A 19th Century Guided Holiday Tour, which will take your family throughout the historical Heritage Village to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season while learning how holiday traditions have evolved over centuries. Tours leave every hour on November 30 – December 3 and December 7-9, 2022, from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m.
Home for the Holidays
Where will you be celebrating the season in Ohio this year?
28
Explore Ohio: 9 Destinations for Late Fall Camping
There's no "off-season" for outdoor adventures in Ohio. In fact, once the weather cools off, and the autumn colors inch past their peak in late fall, many of our parks and trails become less crowded, making this an amazing time of year to experience solitude in nature. Be sure to check out these great campgrounds for a late fall adventure in the Buckeye State!
Hueston Woods State Park
6301 Park Office Road, College Corner, OH 45003
Less than an hour from Cincinnati near the Indiana state line, Hueston Woods State Park is known as one of the best parks for fall foliage in Ohio. It's also a great place to camp, with over 250 campsites, including primitive tent sites as well as RV sites with electrical hookups. The campground is open year-round, making it a perfect spot for a late fall trip. Hueston Woods State Park also includes a charming covered bridge, popular fossil hunting beds, access to Acton Lake, and more than 12 miles of hiking trails.
Alum Creek State Park
3305 South Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43015
View this post on Instagram
Alum Creek Lake is a major destination for summer recreation in the Columbus area, but the fun isn't over when the swimming and boating season ends. In fact, fall is a great time to visit the lovely Alum Creek State Park if you want to beat the crowds. Camping options here include more than 300 electric campsites, as well as camper cabins and a group camp. Late fall is a great time to hike in the park or paddle a canoe along the shoreline and enjoy the last days of fall. Alum Creek lake also offers some excellent fall fishing opportunities for bass, saugeye, crappie, and catfish.
Lake Erie Bluffs
3301 Lane Road, Painesville, OH 44077
Located less than 45 minutes from Cleveland in Northeast Ohio, Lake Erie Bluffs offers spectacular lake views that can take your breath away in any season. Operated by Lake Metroparks, Lake Erie Bluffs offers two rustic tent camping sites that can each accommodate groups of up to eight people. The sites are located atop the 40-foot lakeside bluffs and are available by reservation from May 3 to November 30. In addition to an incredible view of Lake Erie from your campsite, you can also spot up to 90 bird species as they migrate south along a major flyway. Bald eagle sightings are common.
John Bryan State Park
3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
View this post on Instagram
A short drive from both Cincinnati and Dayton, John Bryan State Park has been called the most scenic park in Southwest Ohio. It spans 752 acres and is most famous for the rugged limestone gorge along the Little Miami River. Hiking trails both above and below the cliffs provide outstanding fall scenery, and a launch site just outside the park provides allows paddling access to the river. John Bryan State Park includes a cozy family campground with 16 electric and 40 non-electric sites. It's open year-round, but water isn't available during the off-season, so plan accordingly.
Deer Creek State Park
20635 State Park Road 20, Mt. Sterling, OH 43143
A beautiful park in any season, Deer Creek State Park provides a unique blend of the modern and the rustic. In addition to 200 electric campsites and a remote primitive camping area, the park also offers luxurious accommodations at the Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center. Either way, you'll find brilliant fall foliage, more than 20 miles of trails, and abundant fishing and boating access to 1,277-acre Deer Creek Lake. This park is often bustling with activity in summer, but late fall is a great time to enjoy it in peace and quiet.
Mohican State Park
3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842
View this post on Instagram
Autumn is a great time to explore Mohican State Park, a beautiful Northeast Ohio Park that spans over 1,000 wooded acres. Located about halfway between Cleveland and Columbus, Mohican State Park sits at the intersection of the Clear Fork and Black Fork rivers, which join to form the Mohican River. There's amazing scenery long after the fall foliage has peaked, and the rivers offer excellent paddling and fishing. This park also includes a vast network of hiking trails and a thrilling 25-mile mountain biking trail. The campground in the park is shady and secluded, with over 150 sites ranging from primitive to full-hookup.
Winton Woods
651 Lakeview Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45231
Noted for its fall foliage and just a 20-minute drive from Downtown Cincinnati, Winton Woods is a great option for Hamilton County residents looking for camping opportunities close to home. This 2,555-acre park offers a wealth of outdoor recreation, from hiking and horseback riding trails to picnic areas and an 18-hole golf course. Campsites and rustic cabins are open until November 26 for late fall camping, with amenities ranging from electric-only to full-hookup. Water will remain turned on, weather permitting, as long as the campground is open.
Hocking Hills State Park
View this post on Instagram
The Hocking Hills area of Southeastern Ohio is one of the most celebrated landscapes in the state. There are few better places to experience it than Hocking Hills State Park, which is less than an hour away from Columbus. This unique place features distinctive landforms like cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and rock formations along the Allegheny Plateau, with over 25 miles of hiking trails. Few people visit the park in late fall, making it easy to reserve a campsite at short notice. Electric and full-hookup family campsites are available, as well as primitive hike-in sites.
Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Sites
Ottawa Point Driveway, Brecksville, OH 44141
Surprisingly, there are no camping opportunities in Northeast Ohio's spectacular Cuyahoga Valley National Park. But there are some great options nearby, including the Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Sites. These rustic, secluded campsites are accessible a short hike in from the Ottawa Point Picnic Area in Brecksville and are located along the Buckeye Trail, making them popular among backpackers. Each of the three campsites can accommodate up to four people, and the minimal amenities offer a great opportunity to "rough it" for the night.
Into the Wild
Where will you go camping in Ohio this fall?
27
Cutler's Top Producers for September 2022
Since its founding in 1947, Cutler Real Estate has never waivered from its internal core mission: to help Realtors thrive in life and business with purpose and passion. In turn, our Realtors have made it their purpose and passion to exceed the expectations of buyers and sellers throughout Northeast Ohio, Columbus and Central Ohio, and Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
We congratulate the following Realtors and groups for providing the superior customer service people have come to expect from Cutler Real Estate. Join us in celebrating the top producers, production leaders, and listing leaders for September 2022.
Regions:
26
Scaring Up 8 LoLo Gifts Offers for October 2022
It's Halloween, and something wickedly wonderful this way comes! Yes, it's time for the latest selection of free gifts spotlighting cookies in Northeast Ohio, tea in Columbus, paninis in Cincinnati, and other great products from local small businesses.
Each month, Cutler Real Estate teams up with LoLo Gifts to help you discover the best shops, restaurants, and services in our region. Keep reading to see what treats we've scared up for you in October.
October Gifts:
Kent/Stow: Lunch Sandwich Combo
Akron: Cupcakes
Cupcake Castle
117 Merz Blvd., Fairlawn, OH 44333
You'll feel like royalty when you feast on your free regal treats at Cupcake Castle. Flavors rotate daily from a list of nearly 150, so choose your favorite or sample a new one.
About Cupcake Castle
What's better than a freshly-baked cupcake? How about one you decorate yourself? Cupcake Castle offers DIY cupcake decorating, on a walk-in basis or as part of an onsite party package. Any cupcake flavor can also be made into a creamy and delicious milkshake.
Contact and Hours
330.322.4558
Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Canton: A Loaded Tea
Jackson Nutrition
5858 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44718
View this post on Instagram
Loaded teas from Jackson Nutrition pack a punch, but chances are you'll come back for more. These colorful, sugar-free drinks are filled with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that boost energy, not calorie counts.
About Jackson Nutrition
At Jackson Nutrition, their goal is to have you feeling better when you leave than you did when you walked in the door. In addition to loaded teas, they offer meal replacement shakes that are high in protein and flavor. All beverages can be customized according to your specific preferences.
Contact and Hours
330.768.7221
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Columbus: A Bag of Tea
Ohio Herb Center
110 Mill St., Gahanna, OH 43230
Did you know that tea is the second-most popular beverage in the world, behind only water? Herbal teas, such as the ones you'll get at Ohio Herb Center, boost your immune system and fight inflammation.
About Ohio Herb Center
The Ohio Herb Center is located in the beautiful Nafzger-Miller House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Classes, workshops, and events, such as their popular annual Herb Day celebration, educate visitors on the use and benefits of herbs for physical and spiritual wellness.
Contact and Hours
614.642.4372
Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Kent/Stow: Lunch Sandwich Combo
Little City Grill
802 N. Mantua St., Kent, OH 44240
View this post on Instagram
According to Food Network personality Jeff Mauro, life is better between two pieces of bread. Brighten your day with a sandwich, pickle spear, and potato chips at Little City Grill.
About Little City Grill
Freshness reigns supreme at Little City Grill, where even the potato chips are made in-house using locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. The menu includes comfort food favorites such as corned beef hash, along with creative daily specials like Cajun shrimp étoufée and bratwurst with German fries.
Contact and Hours
330.677.3444
Monday - Saturday: 6:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday: 6:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Medina: A Cookie and a Drink
Spokes Cafe
406 S. Broadway St., Medina, OH 44256
The wheels are always turning at Spokes Cafe. Treat yourself to a free cookie and drink after burning some calories with a walk or bike ride along the adjacent Champion Creek trail.
About Spokes Cafe
Spokes Cafe is a combination bike rental and coffee shop, but that's not even the most interesting feature. Spokes Cafe is a true community partnership that provides employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Contact and Hours
330.725.1298
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cleveland: Drink and a Cookie
The Root Cafe
15118 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
View this post on Instagram
When it comes to baked goods, do you think terms like "gluten-free" and "vegan" are code for "tasteless"? You'll get a pleasant surprise with your free cookie and drink from The Root Cafe.
About The Root Cafe
As a self-defined "community clubhouse," The Root Cafe is all about creating a welcoming space for people to meet and share culture over great food and beverages. Works from local artists hang on the walls, and the vegetarian menu features products made with local ingredients, some even coming from the backyards of friends.
Contact and Hours
216.226.4401
Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wooster: $10 Certificate
Broken Rocks Café & Bakery
123 E. Liberty St., Wooster, OH 44691
Need a sweet treat to get you through the day? Maybe you're hungry enough for a full meal. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find plenty to choose from when you use your $10 certificate from Broken Rocks Café & Bakery.
About Broken Rocks Café & Bakery
Broken Rocks Café & Bakery is named for a picturesque spot alongside Lake Huron that holds a sentimental place in the hearts of owners Glen and Lisa Grumbling. The couple is sharing the love with customers through their elegant menu of pasta, steak, and gourmet pizza. Save room for some luscious raspberry crème brûlée or bananas Foster.
Contact and Hours
330.263.2949
Tuesday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Cincinnati: A Panini
Norwood Nutrition
3919 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45212
View this post on Instagram
Can paninis really be healthy? They can when they're the latest addition to the menu at Norwood Nutrition.
About Norwood Nutrition
Norwood Nutrition believes that healthy food doesn't have to be boring. You'll agree as well once you try their tasty waffles, bowls, shakes, and other fresh, wholesome items.
Contact and Hours
513.526.0735
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Eat, Drink, and Be Scary
It's no trick: we have a great lineup of LoLo Gifts every month of the year. Contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to join in on the fun.
The Cutler Real Estate® word mark is a registered trademark owned by Cutler and Associates, Inc.
Privacy Policy / DMCA Notice / ADA Accessibility
